It’s always magic when talent, dreams, and opportunity intersect. For Gar Hindle, a junior at Portsmouth High School, he has been given an opportunity and is taking advantage of it. 

Hindle earned his spot playing baseball at Elon University, a Division I school located in North Carolina. He will begin playing for Elon University in the fall of 2025.

His currently has a batting average of .397, with 23 hits on 58 at bats. But behind all the playing and practice lies a pressure for the standout baseball player as expectations and responsibilities are set at  high limits.

Hindle, known for his flawless defense and his exceptional hitting, must reach high standards for Elon University. Elon plays in the Coastal Athletic Association, which consists of strong schools such as Charleston, Northeastern and Hofstra. Hindle has to hold his own in the classroom, but also on the field. 

Hindle never let a day of work slip away from him. He spent weekdays working on his craft at Powerhouse Sports NH in Hampton. He also spent hours of his time working on the Portsmouth High School football field, where he would get reps from either his dad or his teammates.

Hindle spent a bulk of the 2023 summer working toward his goal of committing to a Division I college. He would spend every weekend at a tournament, or at one of his practices. When he was not at a tournament or practice, he would be active in the weight room. He did not shy away from the opportunity to make his commitment to Elon, and could not have done it without his close family.

“I would like to recognize my parents. All the hard work they put in for me to get to the point I am at is unbelievable,” Hindle said. “The early mornings with me driving me wherever my games were, the late nights after trips to different parts of the country, making sure I had enough food and water during the games, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.” 

Hindle had a great sophomore season for the Portsmouth Clippers, hitting .305, with 18 hits on 59 at bats. Hindle also played the entire 2023 season at second base, only committing one error which came in the last game of the season.

“I think that baseball wise, there is a lot more pressure on him to perform and do well,” Ryan Clark, a current teammate of Hindle.

Is the pressure getting to him? How is he feeling now that he is committed? A lot of questions being asked by the public without any answers. Hindle almost has another full school season under his belt, but is this one any different from the last? 

“This year playing while committed to a school feels the same for me. I don’t overlook opponents or teammates and I treat them exactly how I did last year. I think the biggest thing for me throughout these past two years was being humble, I just let my game speak for me,” Hindle said.

Teammates close to Hindle have noticed the pressure, but also noticed the way Hindle handles it. Giving in is not an option for Hindle, taking on the leadership role, and giving the Portsmouth Clippers his best is the only choice.

“[Gar has] definitely stepped up in a big way in leadership, but he’s a dog on the field, so he’s always good,” Devin Driscoll, current teammate and long time friend of Hindle, said.