Preston senior Kaden Dean has officially signed with Kansas State University, taking his powerful arm, fierce competitiveness and remarkable work ethic to the Big 12 Conference next year.

Kaden’s path to this moment is one paved with determination – supported at every turn by an encouraging family that believed in him long before the spotlight found him.

— Family First: The Foundation Behind the Dream Kaden is the son of Kyle Dean and Rachel Osborn, and their support has played a central role in his journey from Glenpool to Preston to Kansas State.

The entire Dean-Osborn family, including his siblings, has rallied behind him from the start. Kaden has one biological brother, who he proudly shared is also a collegiate athlete.

“My brother, he’s at Oklahoma Christian right now playing baseball,” Dean said.

He also has a stepbrother and stepsister, both of whom he counts as an important part of his support system.

Reflecting on his family, Kaden didn’t hesitate to acknowledge their significance in shaping him.

Their support – combined with his relentless drive – helped him transform into one of the top high school baseball talents in Oklahoma.

— A Transition That Built Character

Kaden first attended Glenpool before making a major move in eighth grade.

“I moved to Preston my eighth-grade spring,” Dean shared. “I didn’t want to leave, but I ended up finding that place as my home.”

That transition, though difficult at first, ultimately became the turning point of his athletic career.

Before committing exclusively to baseball, Kaden played football and basketball. After injuries, he shifted his attention fully to baseball – a decision that changed his future.

“I played basketball my freshman, sophomore year,” Dean said. “But I ended up, like, getting hurt … So I’m just full-time baseball.”

This laser focus accelerated his development and poised him for Division I competition.

— The Recruiting Journey: How K-State Won Him Over

Originally leaning toward Texas State, Kaden said everything shifted when he connected with Kansas State’s staff.

“I just grew like a really good connection with Coach Darrow,” Dean said. “I felt home at that place. Felt like the right decision.”

That connection – combined with K-State’s strong program and coaching philosophy – made Manhat- tan, Kansas the clear choice.

Kaden is also academically advanced. “I got all my high school credit stuff, so right now I’m just taking college classes.” Dean said.

He is currently enrolled at Green Country Technology Center while exploring future majors such as analytics, sports management or business.

— A Championship Contender & Leader

Kaden has helped guide Preston to state nearly every season he’s worn the Pirates uniform.

“Every year but my freshman fall, we’ve been to state,” Dean said. “We made it to the semifinals twice.”

His favorite career moment reflects the pride of a program on the rise.

“The first time we ever went to the semifinals, it was just like a surreal moment,” Dean said. Yet he made it clear that Preston’s expectations have evolved. “It’s not just get there and be all happy. We’re trying to win the whole thing.”

Kaden’s long list of accomplishments includes:

• Top 10-ranked freshman in Oklahoma

• Player of the Year (Fall) – Junior

• Player of the Year (Fall) – Senior These honors underline his role as one of the most dominant pitchers at the 2A-3A level.

When asked what message he had for underclassmen, Kaden delivered one of the most powerful statements of the interview.

“Don’t take any time off,” Dean said. “If you take time off, you’re going to be behind everyone … You want to stay ahead of the game and have that confidence in yourself.”

This mindset is exactly what defines elite athletes – and Kaden lives it every day.

— The Coach Who Helped Change His Life Kaden identified one person at Preston who shaped his baseball career more than anyone else.

“I would thank Coach Hudson,” Dean shared. “He really put confidence back in me … He helped me out getting where I am.”

Coaches can change futures – and in this case, they did.

— The Final Chapter of His High School Story Kaden’s final season at Preston is fast approaching. One last chance at a title. One last run with the teammates who became like family. One more opportunity to leave everything on the field.

Kansas State is gaining an athlete with talent, intelligence and grit – but Preston gets one more season of his leadership before he begins his Big 12 journey.