Finding their niche

As a kid growing up playing baseball, Jordan Ardoin did not realize that he would be preparing himself for a journey that would take him on a next level ride.
But, the newly signed LSUA General now realizes that all the work and time he put into the sport he loves has paid off in spades.
“I think that playing Dixie Youth and USSSA baseball early on helped me better understand the game and was a huge reason for me to get the chance to play on the college level,” stated Ardoin. “I got to play against some really good competition and to play in some big venues. Once I was able to get a hold on the game, it was just a matter of me continuing to work hard and put the effort into getting better and better each year.”
Getting better and better is just what Ardoin did. Since his freshman year, Ardoin made the most of the time he got to step on the field. Case in point, last season Ardoin was named as a first team all-district selection and a first team all-parish choice after hitting .533.
This season, the grizzled veteran, recorded 32 RBI and 36 runs scored at the same time he was earning seven wins with an ERA of 1.62. That is why he has been named as the Evangeline Parish Most Valuable Player for 2019.
Now that Ardoin has had the opportunity to look back on his career, he can truly see that his growth led to being able to extend his career to the next level.
“I can honestly say that I have grown so much since my freshman year,” said Ardoin. “I don’t ever remember hitting a plateau and I hope that trend continues when I get to LSUA. My first year on the high school team was definitely hard. The transition into high school was pretty tough. But, from that point on, I steadily got better. I wouldn’t trade my high school experience for nothing in the world.”
One thing that Ardoin would definitely not trade was being coach by his father his entire career. Ardoin looks back on having his dad around to guide him and keep him on a straight path with grateful appreciation.
“It was pretty cool to have a coach on the field and at home,” said Ardoin. “Most players can’t have a coach 24/7. It was great to be able to come home and ask him how I needed to improve. He was very straightforward on how he critiqued me. He did not sugar coat it. He told me what was on his mind and I am grateful for it every day.”
One of the biggest reasons why Ardoin was able to perform the way he did in baseball was due to the fact that he was a three sport athlete throughout his prep career. Playing other sports gave Ardoin a chance to develop some much needed skills that was used on the diamond.
“To me playing multiple sports not only help build muscles you would not necessarily use in baseball, but it helps with your overall athleticism,” commented Ardoin. “I was able to play a number of positions because playing football and basketball made me have to think about my body and the way it moved in different ways. I believe all young guys should try playing more than one sport.”
Ardoin’s excellence as a multi-position player will suit him well when he steps out on the diamond for the Generals. His numbers on the mound as well as the plate has put Ardoin in a unique place on the collegiate level; getting time in the field and on the hill.
“Right now I am projected to be a two-way player,” commented Ardoin. “It doesn’t really matter where I get to play, I just want to help the team any way that I can. If that means on the mound or at the plate or in the field, I am good with it. I am going to work harder than ever to make sure that I am ready to go no matter what.”
Probably the only regret that Ardoin will have next year will be that he will no longer be playing with a group of players that he has played with all of his life. Ardoin’s band of brothers that he has been around ever since his youth will not be there to share his ups and downs.
“It is going to be tough being with a different set of teammates,” said an emotional Ardoin. “They have always been there for me and always believed in me, especially the seniors that graduated with me. They were always there when I needed to turn to somebody. We were always together and always had each other’s back. I really am grateful that I had the privilege to be a part of their lives.”
But, as they say, life must go on. And if anyone can get a handle on what is about to come before them, it is definitely Mr. Ardoin!!