Since the age of 5, Trey Meeks has shared a special bond with a close-knit group of baseball teammates — a group that still plays together at Chiefland High School. That bond will soon reach its final chapter, as the Indians head into next week's regional playoffs for what will likely be their last run together on the diamond.
"There's eight or nine of us that have all been playing together since kid pitch, and I wouldn't want it any other way," said Meeks, a senior infielder. "We are all like family to each other and have strengthened our relationships over the years. I'm looking forward to going on one final run with the boys."
Meeks has been a driving force in Chiefland's success this season. Last week, he batted .455 with two home runs and seven RBIs, helping the Indians reach the district championship game. For his performance, he was named this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
Though Chiefland fell one run short against Trenton in the district final, the Indians will get another shot at their rival in a best-of-three series to open regional play.
"This is the first time the playoffs have worked like this, so it's new to everyone," Meeks said. "I feel like things might've gone differently in the past if we played a series. I'm excited to try and beat them a couple of times and keep playing."
The Indians head into the regional round having won five of their last six games. That late-season momentum, combined with the decade-long bond among players, could give them the edge they need.
"Baseball is such a team sport, and that's why I love it so much," Meeks said. "Everyone has to do a job and come together if you're going to win. That's what's so great about being part of this group — you can never count us out."
Off the field, the team's camaraderie continues. From fishing and hunting to goofing around on the golf course, Meeks said the memories are countless.
"The memories we have together are way too much to list — bus rides, locker rooms — you can only imagine the stories we have," he said. "The best baseball one was beating Newberry in the postseason a few years ago. Hopefully, we can make a few more memories this postseason."
While baseball is Meeks' first love, he's also competed in varsity golf for four years — posting a personal-best round of 71 — and played football this past season. He plans to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level but said Chiefland will always hold a special place in his heart.
"It's the best town in the tri-county area. The fans are amazing, and everyone knows each other," Meeks said. "I'm going to miss talking to people around town and all the support they've given us over the years. Win or lose, they're always there, and I'm so thankful for that."
Each weekly winner of the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week award is eligible for a $2,500 scholarship. The UF Health High School Athlete of the Year will be announced at the end of the 2024–25 academic year.