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Mount Vernon coach hails Xavier Neyens as best player in school's history

Mount Vernon head coach Tony Wolden believes he's coaching the greatest player to ever put on a Bulldogs jersey.

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Mount Vernon head coach Tony Wolden knows what it takes to win. 

In 1990, Wolden helped the Bulldogs win their first-ever state title as a player.

"It has a rich history of success over the years, a rich history of great coaches that have coached here, and great players that have played here," Wolden said. 

And Wolden believes he's coaching the greatest player to ever put on a Bulldogs jersey. 

"I'll even go as far as saying Xavier's really special," Wolden said. "He's the best all-around baseball player to walk through the halls of Mount Vernon High School. No doubt about it."

Mount Vernon shortstop Xavier Neyens is one of the best high-school hitters in the nation. He's the state's No. 1 high school prospect and the fourth-ranked player in the country. 

"I played tee ball at this indoor facility up at Baker View," Neyens said. "That was probably my earliest memory, as I was four or five years old. Then after that, I got into coach pitch and after that, you know, I started playing for Diamond Dogs. (It was) the first summer league program I played for."

Neyens also played basketball and soccer, but baseball is where he found his most success. 

"I was really good at it, so like obviously that helped a little bit, but you know I'd watch TV, and like this could be me and that's kind of where I made the decision during COVID," Neyens said. "I worked really hard at baseball. Like basketball, you couldn't be indoors playing. So, we'd go down to Arizona and play baseball and that's kind of where I took the next step is during COVID."

Neyens is a legit five-tool player. He hits for average and power, has speed, arm strength and a great glove. There's not much Neyens can't do on a field. 

"He's put in so much work, countless hours of training, the hitting, the speed training he does," Wolden said. "He did yoga all winter long to increase his flexibility. He doesn't just show up and expect to be this great player. He puts in the work."

"Just a lot of work, honestly, like, you know, I got a cage in my barn and my dad and I would work out in there four or five times a week during the high school season before practice and get in there and get reps in," Neyens said. "It's about putting a bunch of good days together and then that equals up."

Neyens could have left Mount Vernon to go play year-round baseball at top programs in California, Florida or Arizona, but he wanted to stay and play with his Bulldogs teammates that he's been playing with since t-ball.  

"He definitely brightens up the room," Wolden said. "He's just like he is as a player. He's a special person and whether it's in the weight room or in the hallways or wherever we're hanging out, he's just got an infectious personality and he's a lot of fun to be around."

"That's just kind of how like who I am as a person, you know?" Neyens said. "I treat everybody the exact same. It starts with relationships, right? Like these younger guys I now play with, like coming into high school, it's like I wanted to take those guys under my wing and now they respect me a ton and I respect them a ton as well. But you know, just treating everybody with respect."

Neyens committed to Oregon State, but he's also a potential top 10 pick in this year's Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft and he's always dreamed of playing in the majors. 

"That would be awesome," Neyens said. "That's what you work for your entire life."

If Neyens is picked high in the draft and decides to go pro, he would be the 10th Washington high school position player to be drafted and signed in the first round. 

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