Pydyn Ready For The Vast Challenges Ahead As Two-Sport Athlete

Jaden Pydyn OF / RHP / Detroit Catholic Central, MI / 2025

NORTHVILLE - Going to the United States Military Academy is challenging enough as a student, let alone as an athlete. Doing it in two sports makes it even more demanding. Add in the fact the intent is to be a two-way player in baseball, and the task at hand appears enormous.

But that is the plan for Jaden Pydyn.

“The ability to do both was a huge part of my decision,” explained the Detroit Catholic Central junior about his quest to be a two-sport athlete at the next level. “I was dreading the moment when I would have to choose one sport or the other and I feel super blessed to be able to do both.”

A football recruit by Ivy League and Mid-American Conference schools, Pydyn’s interest in Army began in February.

“The coach came to our school and I met him there,” related Pydyn. “He watched my film and loved it. He came back later in the day with a football offer.”

A visit to the university in West Point came a month later when the fourth-rated 2025 outfielder in Michigan was able to meet with the baseball coach.

“He loved everything as well,” Pydyn noted. “The coach of baseball contacted the football coach and said let’s see if we can make it work and the football coach said let’s do it.”

Pydyn, who had one grandfather serve in the Army in Korea and another in Vietnam, sees the opportunity to go to West Point as a blessing.

“It’s one of the most prestigious schools in the country,” Pydyn explained. “I was raised to be the best person I can be and this will allow me to get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to challenge myself. That all led to going to West Point.”

The visit made it more appealing.

“I went with my mom and dad and loved everything about it,” Pydyn reflected. “The facilities are top-notch. Everything is brand new.”

The chance to be part of two athletic programs at the Patriot League university brings a sense of euphoria to the 17-year-old.

“I always thought I’d be a baseball player in college,” Pydyn said. “But once the opportunity to play football came I wanted to do that. I’ve played both since a young age and thought it would be great to be able to keep doing it.”

Admittedly, the recruiting process was far from easy.

“At first it was tough,” Pydyn noted. “Ohio baseball recruited me the most, starting right after the Future Games. I had a visit planned but they canceled when another player committed to my position.

“The Future Games and the stuff PBR put out there for me really helped. All of those who recruited me with baseball said they saw me there. When my baseball recruitment died down it was mainly football.”

His ability on the baseball field made an impression with Army.

“They love how I’m a two-way, an outfielder and pitcher,” the 28th-ranked junior in Michigan explained. “They saw a ton of videos of my swing and liked that. They like my athletic build and the way I move.”

His athleticism was certainly evident on the football field this past fall when the 6-1 189-pounder rushed for 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns while also catching one TD and throwing for two, seeing some time at quarterback.

“There was no way I could choose,” Pydyn said of making a decision between baseball and football. “I love both of them.”

But there is an understanding when it comes to the challenges ahead.

“I’ve been doing football and baseball my whole life,” Pydyn said. “I know it will be at a whole new level but I’m ready to attack that. It will be tough, but the plan is to persevere. In the long run it will help me overcome challenges in general when I’m older.”

His parents were major influences in the journey that will take Pydyn to West Point.

“My mom and dad played a huge part in this, especially when my recruitment with Ohio stopped,” Pydyn related. “They kept telling me God had a plan for me, I just had to keep my head down and keep working.”

The result was a commitment to the university located in southeast New York state, bringing on a feeling hard to describe.

“It was something I never felt before,” Pydyn noted. “It was a huge weight off my shoulder. Now I can go play the games I love, relax and have fun.”

Pydyn sees his skills helping the cause when it comes to baseball.

“I’ll bring my bat to the lineup,” Pydyn said. “I can swing with some power and fit in wherever I’m needed in the lineup. I’m willing to do whatever, outfield, third base if needed, pitching … I’m open to anything.”

A 3.91 student at Detroit Catholic Central, Pydyn has aspirations to major in business while being a two-sport athlete at the university nine hours from home.

“I’m looking forward to meeting friends I’ll be super close with, and then to the career after West Point,” Pydyn concluded. “There are a ton of options and I’m looking forward to that.”