Gavin Lash didn't let one setback year stop his plans. He's on his way to earning an IU degree in business with a concentration in finance, playing the sport he loves, and showing what can happen with enough tenacity and determination.
Just out of high school, Lash had a rough start to college, breaking his ankle before he even started classes and struggling to gain traction academically. He dropped out of his first university and inquired about joining a former teammate who'd just moved to IU Columbus. But, due to his grades, he didn't
get admitted.
That rejection prompted a new plan, developed with help from Admissions Counselor Drhea Emberton, to take classes at Ivy Tech, raise his GPA and reapply. Through the established partnership between IU Columbus and Ivy Tech, Lash enrolled in transferable coursework that allowed him to strengthen his academic foundation while keeping his long-term goal of an Indiana University degree within reach.
"Gavin is one of the most responsible and motivated students I have met with," Emberton said, noting his dedication and strong communication. "He put in the hard work and got to where he needed to be, truly an amazing young man."
When he started at IU Columbus in Fall 2025, he was ready academically but still needed to get back into baseball shape. "I'd been working out on my own, but my arm wasn't where it needed to be," Lash said.
Once he adjusted to the workouts, team dynamics and different coaching styles, he grew to truly appreciate what he found in Crimson Pride baseball. He acknowle
dged it took an attitude adjustment on his own part, but it opened him to significant improvements athletically.
"I really appreciate how transparent Zach is," he said of Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Zach McClellan. "He really listened to me to understand my motivations and where I'm coming from. His guidance has helped me start performing better and more consistently."
McClellan notes that Lash has become an impactful presence on the baseball diamond—but lauds him even more for his perseverance and maturity as a student and leader, becoming someone his teammates can look up to and learn from.
"Gavin took an early setback and, through effort, maturity and coachability, earned his success," McClellan said. "With support from the admissions team and a strong commitment to his own growth, he developed into a dependable, key contributor and a clear example of dedication paying off."
To cheer on Gavin and the Crimson Pride, find the latest gameday information on the Athletics website.
