Pikeville, Ky. — Former Lawrence Co. three sport standout Tyler Maynard walked across the stage as a University of Pikeville graduate on Saturday and wrapped up a stellar senior season on the diamond as well.
Technically Maynard has the option of coming back for one more season but as of now he plans on using his Education Degree to teach and coach in the Lawrence Co. school system.
At this time Maynard ranks second in UPike history in home runs, hits, doubles, runs scored, runs batted in and games started for a career. If he uses his last year of eligibility he as a chance to go down as one of the greatest players in school history.
UPike ( 30-19 ) finished up the season late last week in the Appalachian Athletics Conference Tournament.
This season Maynard was second on the team in batting average at .357 which set a career high for him. Maynard also swiped 16 bases, 20 walks, 5 HBP, 40 runs batted in, 4 home runs, 66 hits, 14 doubles and 3 triples.
Matt and Tyler Maynard
UPike Graduate Tyler Maynard
PLAYER’S COMMENTS
“… Missing out on my senior year of high school was really tough. We had a really promising team that year that I truly believe could’ve won the state championship. I was extremely excited to get started at Upike. Also, missing out on my senior year of high school drove me to make the most of my time at UPike.”
“… My time at Upike honestly flashed before my eyes. However I do believe that I made the most of my opportunity that the University gave me to play baseball. If I were to go back I would have a solid chance to finish as the all time hits leader, doubles leader, runs scored, RBI’s, and games started. I’m currently sitting second all time in all of those categories. I also sit at second all time in homeruns.”
“… If I don’t take my last year at Upike, I plan on coming home to Lawrence County and get a job in the school system as well as coach sports. This place meant a lot to me during my sports career and the least I could do is give back and leave a lasting impact on the youth here at home. It shaped me as a person and as an athlete.”
“… I’ve played in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Indiana. I’ve met people from California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, British Columbia, Alberta, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts just to name a few that haven’t came from local states.”
“… Some advice I would give them is to never give up when times are tough. Make the most out of your experiences that you get wherever that may be. I would also tell them to become a people person. Get to know new people, they’ll mean more to you than you’ll ever know. For all my baseball players, baseball is a game of failure. You’re considered a really good baseball player if you’re only successful 30% of the time. Lastly, just because we’re from a small town doesn’t mean you can’t make it. Put your time and work in and you’ll be successful and make a lasting impact on people and places. These connections that you make can help you throughout the rest of your life. I’ve made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“… Also, always put the Lord first. Your life is in his hands and he will guide you to what is best for you. Of course. It opened up many opportunities for me, and shaped me into the person I am today. You’ll regret it if you don’t try all sports. They’ll have time to catch up on everything else later in life. Be a kid while you still have the chance and do everything you want right now.”
“… I would like to shoutout my father Matthew Maynard for this journey I’ve been on. He has continuously supported me through my ups and my downs. He coached all the way through until I hit high school where he still was coaching me in baseball and soccer. He has pushed me to always be great at whatever I’ve doing. That includes going in and lifting and hitting for three to four hours at a time with him right there beside me throwing bp or giving me a spot on my lifts. He deserves more credit for my success than even I do. He has molded me into the person I am today and I owe everything to him. He has stuck out these athletic dreams that I’ve had since I was a 6 year old child and been there with me every step of the way. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me.”
