Nicolas Hovde, University of Dallas, Baseball

NICOLAS HOVDE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS, a senior outfielder on the baseball team from Waco, Texas, has been selected as the SCAC Character & Community Male Student-Athlete of the Week for the week beginning February 17.

The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.



Hovde has participated in all of the volunteer opportunities that the University of Dallas baseball team has been involved in during the 2019 fall semester. These events include: Special Olympics, Miracle League, Catholic Charities, Readers 2 Leaders, and Blue Christmas. 

“The events were a great way for us as a team to come together and to get off the baseball diamond to work together and get closer,” Hovde reflected. “I think we all got to see how blessed we are as individuals and as teammates to be in the position that we are in and that we have the influence to positively impact those in the community.”

With the Special Olympics and Miracle League, Hovde assisted the participants in playing games such as bocce ball, softball competition, and tee ball. Hovde discussed the unique opportunity it was to see the desire to compete and joy the participants demonstrated. 

“It is very humbling. It is a great feeling to help others in that way and find ways to participate.”

“The girl I was with was actually blind,” Hovde explained about his buddy he had during the Miracle League. “She had a baseball that beeped, so when it was placed on the tee she could know where it was at to swing and hit the ball. It was a very cool experience to get to do that with her and help her out.”

Hovde appreciates the opportunity he has and is glad to be in a position to help others. 

“It was great to experience the joy that she has for playing the game that we all love. It really is a great thing to participate in.”

Hovde was dedicated in putting time into a busy volunteer schedule that second year head coach Erik Grafton helped put together. With Catholic Charities of Dallas, the team spent time cleaning up the landscape at areas in Dallas. Readers 2 Learners was an opportunity for players to read holiday books to students, participate in holiday crafts, and assist with homework. The Blue Christmas is through the Irving Police and Fire Department, where UD Athletes can give donations that are distributed to help kids in the city during the holidays. 

“Coach Grafton this year has really been instrumental in getting us involved with events in our community,” Hovde praised. “Having us come together outside of practice, games, and the clubhouse has helped in forming those bonds with the people involved with the athletes.”

Hovde looks forward to being involved in the future in any capacity he can.

“I have learned just how humbling it is to be in the position that I am in, and the effect I can have in the community as a leader.”