Consistency sits at the center of everything Cole Leybas wants to accomplish this season. “My main goal is to be consistent while helping the team win,” Leybas said, a mindset that reflects both his approach to the game and his role within the McAlester baseball program.
That team-first mentality is rooted in the culture around him. “The team feels like a family,” Leybas said. “Everyone supports each other and competes together.” After navigating roster changes last season, he’s noticed a clear shift in confidence. “The biggest improvement I’ve seen is confidence, especially after having a lot of new guys last year.”
Big goals remain in sight for the Buffaloes. “A big goal for us is hosting a regional, and we’re working hard every day to make that happen,” Leybas said. One of the reasons that goal feels attainable is the depth across the roster. “Our biggest strength is our depth. We have a lot of guys who are ready to step in whenever they’re needed.”
Leybas anchors the infield at first base. “I play first base,” he said. From that position, he focuses on the details. “I look for tendencies in the defense and how they play different hitters.” Preparation before first pitch is just as important. “I focus on getting a good night’s sleep and doing good stretching before the game.”
Once the game starts, his mindset stays simple. “My mindset is to give 100 percent every time I’m on the field.” That reliability is exactly how he hopes to be remembered. “I want to be remembered as a reliable teammate who always did his job.” Leybas also understands that much of the work happens away from the spotlight. “People don’t always see the work we put in behind the scenes.”
One moment that stands out came last season. “My favorite memory was last year against Norman North when I had five RBIs and was a home run short of the cycle.”
Leybas is a senior standing 6’0”, posting a .398 batting average, .485 OBP, .558 slugging percentage, 31 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. “I plan to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and study computer science,” he said, ready to carry the same consistency into the next chapter.
