Pahrump Valley Graduate Jalen Denton Shares His Collegiate Baseball Experience

For Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2021 graduate Jalen Denton, baseball has always been more than a game—it’s been a part of his identity since he was just four or five years old. Now heading into his senior year at Mayville State University, Jalen has spent the last several years navigating the challenges and rewards of playing college ball, building lasting relationships, and preparing for life beyond the outfield.

Jalen’s journey began at Williston State College, a junior college (JUCO) in North Dakota, where he spent three years developing both as an athlete and a student. “My freshman year I redshirted,” Jalen explained, “but I ended up playing two more seasons there after that. I played mostly center field, but I also bounced around and played right field a few times.” His time at Williston was transformative, culminating in a standout moment during a regional championship game. “We ended up winning the regional championship, and I hit the go-ahead runs to take the lead. The next inning, we closed it out. That was one of the best moments of my college career—it was just the best feeling.”

After completing his eligibility at Williston, Jalen transferred to Mayville State University, where he now plays left field but is aiming to move back to center field for his senior season. While he’s had strong on-field experiences, he’s also working toward a degree in fitness and wellness, with plans to become a certified personal trainer by the end of the school year. “I’m hoping to keep playing after college—maybe semi-pro—but I also want to work in a gym somewhere,” he said. “I’m not sure where yet, but I know I’m trying to get out of North Dakota for sure,” he added with a laugh.

The path to college baseball wasn’t always clear-cut. Jalen recalled that his recruiting process was more reactive than proactive. “I was late to the recruiting process,” he admitted. “My dad found a scout who helped me, and I emailed as many schools as I could, but I didn’t get many responses.” He eventually heard about Williston State through others who had gone there. “The scout told me, ‘Just pick a school and go. If you want to transfer later, you can.’ So I chose Williston, and it actually ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

When asked about the people who helped him get to where he is now, Denton pointed first to his father. “He brought me up on the sport, and he’s always believed in me. He still sends me motivational videos and speeches. He’s been there the whole way.” But Denton also emphasized the critical role his mother played—especially during his most difficult times. “Other than my dad, my mother was a big help for me, especially during hard times and homesickness,” he said. “When I first started college, I thought I’d be fine being alone, but I quickly realized the struggles of being away from family—especially since my family lived in another country for my first three years of JUCO. My mom helped me feel better and get through all my mental health issues and bad days.” He also credited friends and teammates for helping him push through. “College baseball kind of sucks sometimes,” he said candidly. “You fail way more than you succeed. If I didn’t have close relationships with people around me, I don’t think I could’ve stuck with it.”

The road has had its challenges. Unlike high school ball, college baseball is a year-round grind. “In the fall, we lift three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings—and practice every afternoon. Toward the holidays, we start doing hitting groups. But a lot of it’s also on your own time. If you want to be good, you can’t just rely on what the coaches provide. You’ve got to do extra on your off days, too.”

That mindset is something Jalen developed early on, thanks in part to his multi-sport background. Before focusing solely on baseball, he played soccer for most of his life, basketball through middle school, and even a bit of football during high school. “Playing sports year-round just kept me active,” he said. “So when I got to college and had two-a-days and nonstop activity, it wasn’t too much of a shock. It was hard at first, but it starts to feel natural.”

Reflecting on his time at Pahrump Valley High School, Jalen said the thing he misses most is the friendships and memories he made with his teammates. “We didn’t do anything huge, but we always went as far as we could, and I just remember having a great time with my buddies. After I moved away, I lost a lot of those connections, and I feel bad about that. But I’ll always have those memories.”

When asked what he enjoys most about college ball, Jalen came back to the relationships again. “The people I’ve met—my teammates, the guys I’ve gotten close to—they’re what keep you going. You don’t always succeed, and it can be really tough mentally. Having people in your corner makes all the difference.”

As for advice to younger athletes hoping to play at the next level, Jalen stressed the importance of starting early. “If you really want to play, start reaching out to schools as soon as you can in high school. I didn’t start until the end of my junior year, and I didn’t commit until later in my senior year. If I had started earlier, maybe I could’ve had more opportunities. I’m happy with how things turned out, but starting earlier opens more doors.”

With his final season approaching and a personal training certification on the horizon, Jalen is poised for his next chapter—whether that’s in a semi-pro dugout or a state-of-the-art fitness center. What’s certain is that the foundation laid in his early years, the grind of JUCO ball, and the support of those around him have shaped a student-athlete who’s prepared to keep pushing forward.

“I’ve had ups and downs, but I’ve learned to just keep going,” Jalen said. “You’ve got to believe in yourself, surround yourself with the right people, and put in the work. That’s what it takes.”