AUSTIN, Texas — Kaeden Kent brings his bat along with the family name to the batter’s box.

The senior Lake Travis shortstop has skills that will serve well in his baseball career. Kent is heading to Texas A&M after a solid career with the Cavaliers. He stuck with the game at an early age, but was born into the baseball life.

“My dad worked with me a lot. He played ball a little bit in his life,” Kent said humbly. “He's been a really good coach to me. Whatever I needed, he was always there.” 

His dad, Jeff Kent, spent 17 seasons in the majors at second base, earning five All-Star appearances, and winning a Most Valuable Player award in 2000.

Kaeden says experiencing those early days in the clubhouse helps him make good decisions on and off the field.

“It’s special being in there. It’s cool seeing how the Major League guys act, their aura before a game or after. Just taking things that I’ve seen and how I can apply it to my life,” Kent said.

The senior is more than just a namesake. He led Lake Travis to a District 26-6A title with a .449 batting average and district MVP honors in the process. Kent struck out four times during the regular season.

Lake Travis lost in a regional championship series to San Antonio Reagan. 

Kaeden will now embark on a career at Texas A&M to play for Coach Jim Schlossnagle. The Aggies were diligent in their efforts to sign him, ultimately leading to his commitment. 

“Texas A&M has a great baseball program throughout the years. After I committed to A&M, they got a new coaching staff and Coach Schlossnagle and Coach Nolan Cane were both keeping with me in the recruiting process, so I stuck it,” Kent said.

“I worked harder after I got the scholarship than I did before. I celebrated a little bit, but after that it was ‘the job’s not finished.’”