Landon Echols comes by his knack for leadership naturally.

The Ardmore High School junior plays pitcher and middle infield for the Tigers varsity baseball team. He’s also an active member of National Honor Society.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was 4 years old. My mom introduced me to all sports when I was younger and fell in love with baseball since day 1,” Echols said.

Echols, whose natural baseball iQ has taken his game to great heights, was challenged early.

“People overlook me because of my size,” Echols said. “I respond by just going out there and playing with a big heart and let my talent out doing the talking.”

At the start of his high school career, Echols and his teammates ran into a non-trivial challenge.

“We basically had to build a program from the ground up with two seniors and with a new coach. A lot of young people, including myself, had to step up and be a leader,” Echols said. “I think it helped me grow as a person and leader faster having to step up so young.”

Now a junior, Echols has earned his reputation as one of the team’s most experienced and savvy players. This year, he wants to help the Tigers exceed expectations.

“As the season is coming to an end, my goals are still go out and compete and do my best to put my team in a good position to win,” Echols said.

After he wears an AHS jersey for the last time, Echols hopes he’s still involved with the game — and in a position to mentor.

“My goals for my sport are to play in college and when my time of playing is over, I want to coach a baseball team or do some kind of lessons, something to stay around the game,” Echols said. “I just love the game of baseball and want to give my knowledge to kids who always love the game and want to go and compete. I’ve had a couple coaches come in my life and leave something small to make a major impact on me and my game.”