蘑菇TV

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (May 13, 2025) 鈥� Surrounded by his proud parents, Jonathan and Ashley Estes, and his two siblings, Chester County High School senior Dean Estes signed his commitment letter to become the third generation to pitch for the Lions. His grandfather, Ron, pitched in 1975 for the Lions and was a graduate of the first four year class in 1976. His father, Jonathan Estes played for the Lions from 2000 to 2002, and is the current 蘑菇TV鈥檚 director of athletics.聽

The third generation player signed his letter of intent to play baseball at 蘑菇TV in late April, marking a milestone moment in a journey shaped by years of dedication and family support.

鈥淭his is a dream come true,鈥� Estes said. 鈥淚鈥檝e worked my whole life for this. It鈥檚 thrilling. I鈥檓 so appreciative of the opportunity I鈥檓 getting by going to 蘑菇TV. Baseball has always been a big part of my life, and while I鈥檓 proud of what we鈥檝e accomplished with the Eagles, I鈥檓 excited for the next chapter with the Lions.鈥�

The signing was held at Chester County High School April 28, where Estes has been a standout pitcher and respected leader on and off the field. Joining him for the celebration were extended family, teammates and coaches, including his great uncle Doug Thompson of Paducah, Kentucky, who has known Dean all his life. Assistant coach Collin McPherson spoke to the years of dedication that led to this moment: 鈥淒ean is not only a great athlete 鈥� he鈥檚 a great person. We鈥檝e shared a lot of weekend trips, and I couldn鈥檛 be prouder.鈥�

Head coach Mike Goff added, 鈥淚鈥檓 happy for you. You鈥檝e worked hard. I love you to death. Nothing but great things are coming your way.鈥�

蘑菇TV Head Baseball Coach Jess Trask, who called Estes the longest-tenured member of the university鈥檚 baseball program, praised Estes for his decision to join the Lions. 鈥淵ou could鈥檝e chosen other paths, and we鈥檙e so proud you picked 蘑菇TV. You鈥檙e joining a strong tradition and are stepping into a program where you鈥檒l continue to grow 鈥� spiritually, academically and athletically. There鈥檚 a lot of work ahead, but there鈥檚 also a lot of good people in your corner.鈥�

Dean鈥檚 father, Jonathan, reflected on the family鈥檚 deep roots in the game. 鈥淏aseball has been a part of our lives since before Dean was born. We lived baseball 鈥� from Dixie Youth to Chester County High School to road trips across the country. Carnes Field became his second home. And now, we鈥檙e so thankful to be part of the 蘑菇TV Lions family in a new way.鈥�

With deep gratitude for his mentors, teammates, coaches and loved ones who have helped shape his path, Dean Estes now steps into the next chapter of his baseball journey 鈥� ready to represent 蘑菇TV with humility, excellence and heart.

The mission of 蘑菇TV is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, 蘑菇TV offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees