Mitchell's Dylan Soulek announces commitment to Northern State for college baseball

MITCHELL — Mitchell High School senior Dylan Soulek took to Twitter on Monday night to announce his intention to pursue an education and further his athletic career at Northern State University in Aberdeen.

“I’m beyond excited and blessed to announce my commitment to continue my education and athletic career at Northern State University,” Soulek’s post read. “I would like to give thanks to all my family, coaches, and teammates who have helped get me to this point. Go Wolves.”

According to Soulek, the final decision came down to Northern State, Dakota Wesleyan and Mount Marty.

“It was definitely a tough decision, but right away, Northern State was a front-runner,” Soulek told the Republic. “It felt like a fit right away, and I’m excited to get up there and get to work.”

Soulek, who is also a standout on the MHS basketball team, had also given consideration toward pursuing basketball at the college level, but always favored a future with baseball.

“Basketball definitely threw a wrench in (the decision-making process),” Soulek admitted, having also considered DWU and Mount Marty for continuing his basketball career. “Ultimately, I was leaning toward baseball, that’s kind of my thing. I’m super excited about it and feel I made the right decision.”

On the baseball field, Soulek was an all-state performer in the spring high school baseball season as well as the summer Legion baseball season for Mitchell, primarily playing at shortstop with occasional time at first base and regular pitching appearances.

Last spring, Soulek was a key contributor during Mitchell’s state runner-up finish, posting a .400 batting average and .490 on-base percentage. During the summer for Post 18, Soulek owned a team-best .432 batting average, notching nine doubles, three triples and one home run. He also stole 11 bases and scored 52 runs, which was the most of any Class A all-state infielder.

"Dylan understands how committed he has to be (in order) to be an elite player," said Mitchell baseball coach Luke Norden. "He has become an elite high school player in all aspects for our program but especially in a leadership capacity. I am very excited to see what the future holds for him."

Soulek will join former MHS and Post 18 teammates Jonah Schmidt and Jake Helleloid, both from the graduating class of 2022, in the NSU baseball program.