At Team IMPACT, we know that being a student-athlete is about more than the sport you play. Being a student-athlete means being a role model, a mentor, a teammate, a friend, and so much more. “Tyler Meyer is the epitome of a student-athlete,” says Jess Earle, whose 10-year-old son Thad joined the Arizona State University baseball team in February of 2022.
Tyler, a master’s student who just finished his last season with the Sun Devils, quickly became one of Thad’s favorite people, and Thad quickly became one of Tyler’s as well. “From the moment Tyler met Thaddeus, they were glued at the hip,” Jess said. “Tyler is incredibly supportive of Thad, and Thad regularly asks to spend time with him, whether on the field or off.” The pair became so close that when it came time to nominate his Teammate of the Year, Thad knew Tyler was his choice.
“Thad says Tyler makes him feel special and brave. Tyler has helped Thad be his best,” Jess said. “Tyler always has Thad’s back, whether out on the field at practice, back in the classroom or at one of the team games, Tyler always shows up and makes Thad feel special and an integral part of the team.”
Together, Thad, Tyler, and the Sun Devils created lasting memories and moments they will keep with them forever. Earlier this season, Thad threw out the first pitch at an ASU baseball game with his entire team and an excited crowd cheering him on. “Thad soaked up every second off the moment, throwing his cap in the air and blowing kisses to the crowd before high-fiving all his teammates,” Jess remembered.
Since being on the ASU baseball team and with the help of his best buddy Tyler, Thad has grown into a more confident version of who his parents always knew he has been. “Thad personifies courageous. He has battles most of us will never know about,” Jess said. “This year he became more confident in school and who he is as a person. It has been amazing to watch him grow into himself and his identity as an ASU baseball teammate with Team IMPACT. This partnership has been a life-giving gift to our family.”
Like so many athletes in our program. Tyler is more than a baseball player. “Tyler is a special person, great baseball player, strong student, and dedicated friend,” Jess said. “We are so grateful he watches out for Thad and always makes sure Thad was doing well. He is a true mentor and friend.”
