Andrew Zurn, a senior at Pahrump Valley High School, has officially committed to continue his baseball journey at Taft College in California. For Andrew, a dedicated athlete with roots in both California and Nevada, this moment represents the culmination of years of hard work, family support, and a deep passion for the game that began before he even stepped into a T-ball uniform.
Born in Corona, California, Andrew started learning the fundamentals of baseball before he was even old enough to join an official league. At just five years old, he took the field in T-ball, but his love for the sport was already taking shape before then. His early years were spent immersed in the game, learning its rhythm, building skills, and forming a strong foundation that would guide him through his athletic career.
When he was 13, Andrew and his family made the move to Pahrump, Nevada during his eighth-grade winter. It was a big transition, but one that opened up new opportunities, especially on the baseball field. One of the most memorable milestones for him came soon after—making the varsity team for the first time at Pahrump Valley High School. That moment, as he described it, brought an overwhelming sense of relief and excitement. It was a signal that his hard work was paying off, and it gave him the chance to grow not just as a player but as a teammate and leader.
Andrew’s dedication and development over the years caught the attention of Taft College’s coaching staff, who first reached out through his high school coach, Roy Uyeno. The connection deepened when the Taft coach attended one of PVHS’s regional games and met Andrew in person. That in-person visit and follow-up conversation helped seal the deal. While he had received interest from Barstow Community College as well, he ultimately decided Taft was the better fit.
Location was another key factor in his decision. Taft’s California campus brings Andrew closer to his roots while still being just a reasonable distance from both of his parents. It offers him the chance to grow independently while still having the support of his family nearby. As for academics, he’s chosen to pursue a degree in business—a decision driven by a strong sense of purpose. His goal is to one day take over the family business, Speed Rehab Detailing, a company that specializes in hot rods and exotic cars. It’s a unique field that combines precision, craftsmanship, and an entrepreneurial mindset, much like baseball itself.
Andrew knows that playing baseball at the college level will come with its challenges. The competition will be tougher, the training more intense, and the expectations higher. But he’s not intimidated. In fact, he’s eager to take it all on. “Just better talent,” he said simply, when asked what he expects from the next level. “As you get older, people get better.” He’s looking forward to learning from new coaches and stepping into a training regimen that will push him beyond his current limits.
Even as he prepares to leave high school behind, Andrew remains deeply appreciative of the support system that helped him reach this point. From his father, who first introduced him to the game, to the coaches who shaped him along the way—Coach Roy at PVHS, Coach Drew when he first arrived in town, and even coaches from his earlier playing days in Las Vegas—Andrew credits each of them with guiding him onto the right path.
He also speaks fondly of his teammates, emphasizing how they’ve stood by him over his four years at PVHS. Whether it was staying after practice to get in extra swings or heading out to throw on a weekend, his teammates were there—sharing his goals and helping him chase them.
For younger athletes with college dreams of their own, Andrew offers advice grounded in his own experience: stay determined and work hard. “Opportunities will come for you,” he said, noting that it’s often the steady work behind the scenes that leads to the most important breakthroughs.
Looking ahead, Andrew is focused on achieving more than just success on the field. While continuing to play baseball at Taft is a dream come true, he’s equally committed to completing his business degree. It’s part of a long-term plan that blends his athletic ambition with real-world goals. “Playing baseball is a bonus,” he said. “I’m blessed to be able to continue playing.”
When asked what he’ll miss most about his high school years, it wasn’t the wins or the stats that came to mind—it was the friendships. “Just the bonds that we had, all the good times. It was always smiles that we had,” he reflected.
As he prepares for this next chapter, Andrew carries with him the lessons learned on the field and in the classroom, along with gratitude for everyone who helped him along the way. With his eyes on the future, he’s poised to take his determination, talent, and business savvy to Taft College—and wherever the game leads him next.
