Oakwood School in North Hollywood has long been known for its academic excellence and its roster of students with parents in the entertainment industry. But this spring, the buzz on campus is all about baseball. The Owls are soaring with a perfect 14-0 record, demanding respect and rewriting the school's athletic narrative one win at a time.

While alumni like former UCLA and NBA player Mitchell Butler put Oakwood basketball on the map, Athletic Director Steve Smith has been focused on elevating all sports. The baseball team's flawless start, including victories over programs like North Hollywood and Culver City, is a testament to that commitment. In his seventh season, Coach Avery Ware credits the success to a selfless and versatile team culture. "We're making progress as a program," Ware said. "For a lot of years, you could say baseball was a side note."

The roster blends talent, intellect, and yes, a few Hollywood connections. Shortstop Jake Waco, a transfer from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame and the son of 1980s Chatsworth standout David Waco, has been a force both defensively and at the plate. Ace pitcher Trevor Jones, a math whiz who competes with the school's STEM team, headlines a pitching staff that has been dominant. The team's chemistry is palpable; Ware jokes that the bus rides home are filled with singing, suggesting someone might be ready to perform the national anthem.

This is more than just a hot streak. It's a program building something special, having secured a home field agreement at the North Hollywood Recreation Center. With players committed to top academic institutions like Emory, Washington University, Duke, and Brown, the Owls are proving that serious scholars can also be serious contenders on the diamond. For Oakwood, the 2024 season is a story of perfect execution, both in the classroom and on the field.