On the Mound

Heading out to the mound to lead off a game is a nerve racking job for a pitcher, but for senior Davis Koester, it’s fun and exciting every single time. Earning the accolade of Pacific’s top pitching appearances, Koester holds the title with pride and honor. “Each time I appear in a game as a pitcher, I’m credited with an appearance,” Koester explained. “It’s important because it signifies my coach has trust in me and my abilities to get the job done and get opposing hitters out.” Koester has pitched in at least 20 games during his time at Pacific from his freshman year until now. In addition to pitching, he also plays outfield. “The two-way life, being both a hitter and a pitcher, is pretty unique and something I take a lot of pride in,” Koester shared with a smile. 

   Koester started his baseball career at the young age of three years old. His love for baseball has grown over the many years he’s been playing, and 20 years later it still remains strong. Koester has spent all of his undergraduate years at Pacific and has been a part of the baseball program during that time. “I’ve absolutely loved my athletic career at Pacific. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of three conference winning ball clubs in my four years, and I’ve been surrounded by players much more talented than myself,” Koester humbly said when asked about his college experience at Pacific. 

   While he has shared the good moments and memories with his teammates at Pacific, Koester has also felt the low times here as well. One of the toughest setbacks he’s faced is the close losses. “Being so close to winning it all and never putting it together has got to be one of the hardest parts of the sport,” Koester said. “We’ve been to three regionals but haven’t made it to the College World Series yet. It’s frustrating, but at the same time it inspires us to work harder.” During the hard times, the team culture is what kept the spirits high. “My favorite part about being a Boxer is my teammates. 100 percent,” Koester shared with confidence. “We have so many great players and coaches that make it fun to come to the ballpark day in and day out.”

This season will be Koesters last as a Boxer, so he’s doubly excited about the games ahead. “I am excited to leave everything I got out on the field. I love competing. I want to win every single game we have left, while at the same time I’m trying to enjoy every single second and soak it in,” Koester described. “I understand that these are moments I will remember forever and I don’t want to take them for granted.”

   Once the season comes to an end, Koester plans to continue playing the game that he loves. “Luckily this isn’t the end of my baseball career. I will play for the Seattle Studs this upcoming summer and hopefully play some professional ball as well. I currently have offers to play pro in Puerto Rico,” Koester shares optimistically. “I also coach and run Peak Baseball, camps for ages 6-12 here in Forest Grove and back home in the Columbia Gorge.” He also shared that his connections on higher levels might get him to his dream job as a coach at the pro level.

“I’m in contact with some MLB organizations, so I may have the opportunity to coach hitting at the professional level. I’m very lucky and grateful to have so many opportunities to continue to pursue my passion,” Koester stated. 

   Koester is proud to be a Boxer and looks forward to the rest of this season, as well as what will come in the future. He looks back at his time at Pacific and is appreciative for the opportunity he was given. “I’m very grateful for Brian Billings and Kyle Treadway, both former coaches here at Pacific. Although I had some talent coming out of high school, I definitely did not look the part of a full time varsity college player,” Koester shared. “ It means a lot to me that they took the chance in recruiting me and allowed me to compete and earn my spot from day one on campus.”

This story was originally published in the Pacific Index, Pacific University's student newspaper. Used with permission.