Chase Hallmark knew TLU well before making the choice to join the fall 2024 freshman class. A native of the area, he liked the idea of attending college close to home and had been to campus for visits and to attend camps. As it happens, he's not the first Bulldog in his family. He's following in his sister's footsteps, and his mom Carrie is a TLU financial aid counselor.

Hallmark is also coming to TLU to play baseball. "They have a strong baseball program, and I'm really excited to play for a team I've watched growing up," he says. He plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of someday becoming a coach.

A few fun facts about him: He's played baseball in Cooperstown, New York-the birthplace of the sport. He's involved in his church's tech team, and not only that, just preached his first sermon "to lead the younger generation," he says.

As he prepares to kick off his freshman year, he says he's "looking forward to meeting new people and being part of TLU's baseball team." His new Bulldog family will certainly be there to cheer him on!