Soma will play baseball at Iowa Central

HCHS Senior Hayden Soma will continue his education and baseball career at Iowa Central in Fort Dodge.

“It’s crazy,” Soma said. “If you told me that when I was probably 10-years-old, I would’ve told you you’re crazy because I’ve always wanted to play football, but now I’m just pumped that I get to play baseball at the collegiate level.”

During his time in college, Soma will major in agricultural business, while minoring in animal science.

The facilities at Iowa Central helped Soma decide between his options.

“Cade Sears from here is obviously one of my good friends,” he said. “He’s down there and he enjoys it. The facilities there are second to none. They’re fantastic. They just got a new turf field and a new clubhouse. Their lifting facilities are great.”

Soma credited his parents, Susan and Chad, for what they’ve done over the years to lead him to the position that’s in front of him.

“My parental support has been absolutely outstanding,” he said. “They sacrificed a lot for me to be here right now. I transferred from Boyer Valley and we gave up our normal life to get to where I am today, so I’m thankful for them.”

Soma’s also grateful for his coaches, Heath Stein, Dillon Sears, and James Cairney.

“Those three minds right there have the best baseball knowledge in the state of Iowa for high school,” Soma said. “I’ll take that statement to my grave. I don’t always tell them that because they get a little excited. If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

Soma’s senior season of baseball is right around the corner, set to begin May 19, at home against the Sioux City North Stars. Soma is hoping to make a deep run after coming off back-to-back state appearances.

“We’re trying to get past the first round this year,” he said. “Last year for sure was a heartbreaker, but that’s done and over with. We’re going to move on to this year and get past the first round and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs.”