At just 17 years old, Brayden Dismang is already making a strong impression both in the classroom and on the baseball field. A Junior at Redlands East Valley High School, Brayden maintains an impressive 3.9 grade point average while balancing the demands of academics, athletics, and work.
Brayden’s love for sports began early. He started playing athletics at just four years old, participating in both soccer and baseball. After several years competing in both sports, he decided to focus primarily on baseball. During his freshman year of high school, he also played football, but today baseball is where his passion lies. Brayden currently plays first base, third base, and pitcher for his team.
One of Brayden’s most memorable moments this season came during a game against Grand Terrace High School. It was a game that reminded him that all the hard work and preparation were paying off. In his first at-bat, Brayden hit a double, which immediately boosted his confidence. By the end of the game, he went 2-for-3 at the plate, something he was especially proud of after spending significant time working on his timing and patience at the plate. The game also marked his first full appearance after returning from an injury. Defensively, Brayden handled every play that came his way and helped his team secure important outs.
“It felt good knowing I could contribute both offensively and defensively,” Brayden shared. “That game showed me that the extra reps and preparation really made a difference.”
Outside of baseball, Brayden enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also has two jobs, which has given him valuable experience interacting with people throughout his community. One activity he particularly enjoys is helping others by assisting with dump removals and cleaning up yards, something that allows him to give back and stay connected to the community.
One of Brayden’s proudest accomplishments has been his commitment to both athletics and academics throughout high school. Since his Freshman year, he has had the opportunity to play on the Varsity baseball team, an experience that has helped him grow not only as a player but also as a teammate and leader. Being a Varsity athlete has taught him responsibility, leadership, and the importance of continually pushing himself to improve.
Academically, Brayden has earned Honor Roll recognition every year since starting high school. Over the past year, he also challenged himself by enrolling in dual enrollment classes, allowing him to earn college credits while still attending high school. Balancing college-level coursework with Varsity athletics has not always been easy, but Brayden believes it has strengthened his time management skills and shown him that hard work can lead to success.
When asked about the biggest influence in his life, Brayden credits his family. “The biggest influence in my life has definitely been my family,” he said. “They’ve always supported me in everything I do, especially baseball. Ever since I was little, they’ve taken me to practices, helped me improve, and showed up to my games no matter what. Just knowing they’re in the stands cheering for me pushes me to work harder.”
His family has also taught him valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. “They remind me that everyone goes through ups and downs and that each day is a new opportunity to improve. When I make mistakes, they remind me that failure is part of learning and that hard work is what really leads to success.”
Looking ahead, Brayden hopes to continue playing baseball at the college level while earning a degree. In addition to his athletic goals, he plans to pursue a career in firefighting. Brayden says he has always admired firefighters and the important role they play in protecting and serving their communities. He hopes to build a career where he can stay active, work as part of a team, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
A quote that Brayden lives by was shared with him by his uncle and continues to motivate him during challenging times: “When things get tough, remember now is temporary.” — Brian Hooper.
The quote reminds Brayden that difficult moments don’t last forever and that perseverance and hard work will always lead to growth.
With his dedication, work ethic, and determination, Brayden Dismang’s future looks bright. We wish him all the best as he continues to pursue his goals both on the field and beyond. The best is yet to come.