THOMASVILLE- Thomasville native Hurston Waldrep, now a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, recently visited Thomas County Middle School to speak with weightlifting students about the importance of dedication, discipline, and a positive mindset. Waldrep shared wisdom gleaned from his own experiences, offering insights into the value of hard work and how it extends beyond the field.

Waldrep captivated the students with his straightforward approach, telling them: “One of my favorite things I’ve ever been told is that there’s a big difference between hard work and just checking boxes. To get where you want to be in life, work hard and listen to your teachers.” He emphasized that genuine effort, not just going through the motions, is the key to success in sports, academics, and life.

Waldrep, who competed in football, baseball, and track during his school years, reflected on his journey from a 2A high school to becoming part of one of the best pitching programs in the country at Southern Mississippi. He candidly shared how the transition to college baseball was a challenge but one that taught him to keep his head down, work hard, and maintain focus on his goals.

Speaking to the students, Waldrep highlighted the significance of maintaining a balanced diet, prioritizing exercise, and ensuring proper sleep and recovery for peak performance. His personal pre-game routine includes eating the same high-protein meal, reading for 30 minutes, and engaging in stretching and warm-up exercises to prepare mentally and physically.

When asked what motivated him to persevere through challenges, and to pursue baseball at the next level, Waldrep’s answer was simple but heartfelt: “I just love baseball and staying busy.” His passion for the game and his strong work ethic have clearly been key factors in his rise to the major leagues.

Waldrep also took a moment to talk about what makes him a good teammate: “Being a good person and being nice to everyone but also working hard all the time and standing up when you need to.” He stressed that in the Braves organization, as in any team setting, surrounding yourself with good people and maintaining a positive attitude eases stress and pressure.

In his closing remarks, Waldrep shared a lesson from Coach Chris Buckhalter, or as everyone affectionately refers to him, Coach Buck, a mentor who inspired him with the simple philosophy: “How hard you want to work is up to you. Keep your head down and don’t worry about everyone else. It’s all about work ethic.”

Waldrep’s visit left a lasting impression on the students, reminding them that success isn’t about shortcuts but about putting in consistent, meaningful effort every day.