Claremore junior catcher Jax Van Valkenburg has grown up around the game, but what sets him apart for the Zebras is the standard he expects from himself and his teammates.
Van Valkenburg, a varsity standout for Claremore High School, anchors the Zebras behind the plate and embraces the responsibility that comes with the position. “I am a catcher, and the most difficult part but most thrilling part is getting to know my staff like the back of my hand, finding out what they like to throw and when,” he said.
That attention to detail fits neatly into Claremore’s clubhouse culture, where accountability and togetherness are emphasized daily. “The winning mindset and standards we set, and how close we are as a group,” Van Valkenburg said of what he enjoys most about the program. “I am proud to represent a program who values my development, and who wants me to be the best player and man I can be.”
Baseball also connects Van Valkenburg to his family. “My dad, he’s taught me how to play the game the right way with high energy and effort,” he said. That approach shows up in his offensive profile, where he points to his bat as a key tool while still chasing improvement. “My strength in my game is my bat, and I’m working on improving my speed,” he said.
In the dugout, personalities help fuel the Zebras’ energy. Van Valkenburg points to teammates who keep things loose over the course of a long season. “Canyon Kimblern is the most vocal and the funniest is Evan Jameson,” he said.
Away from the field, Van Valkenburg is as committed in the classroom and community as he is behind the plate. He is a member of National Honor Society and Christian Club, and he lists math as his favorite subject and last year’s science teacher, Mr. Riggs, as a favorite. When he has free time, he said, “In my free time I fish, play pickleball, and play the piano.”
Van Valkenburg believes the lessons from baseball will last well beyond high school. “Athletics had taught me that getting 1% better every day translates to every aspect of life,” he said, a standard he aims to carry into every inning and every day.
