Deacon Nelson on Baseball, Leadership, and Staying Consistent
In Episode 35 of The Late Start Show, we sit down with Deacon Nelson, University School McKinley House prefect, baseball captain, and Auburn commit. Deacon reflects on his journey from a young athlete shaped by family and a deep love for the game to becoming a leader of a rising baseball program at US. He shares what drew him to the school, from the meaningful relationships between students and teachers to the strong sense of brotherhood he experienced on his shadow day, and how those early moments helped him feel at home and build lasting connections within the community.
From committing to Virginia as a freshman to navigating a coaching change and ultimately finding the right fit at Auburn, Deacon opens up about handling attention, expectations, and pressure while staying grounded in consistency and preparation. He discusses his growth as a leader through baseball, his role as a house prefect, and his involvement in Focus, highlighting the importance of faith, humility, and connection. Looking ahead, Deacon reflects on his personal growth, what he will miss most about US, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, one centered on leadership, character, and making a positive impact on others.
Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.
Deacon Nelson is a prominent student-athlete at University School, serving as a McKinley House prefect and baseball captain. As an incoming senior in the class of 2026, he is committed to play baseball at Auburn University, where he is projected as a shortstop and outfielder. Nelson, who hails from Twinsburg, Ohio, previously committed to Virginia in 2022 before decommitting due to a coaching change. He has helped his high school team reach the Division III state championship game and maintains a 3.82 GPA.