With the new age of name, image and likeness as well as the transfer portal, loyalty within college programs has become less and less the norm. San Diego State senior pitcher Aidan Russell is a friendly reminder that success doesn’t always require a change of scenery, but rather simply taking advantage of the opportunities presented to you.

Russell’s tenure as an Aztec began even before he stepped in between the lines, during his recruiting process. The culture of San Diego and the people who surrounded and represented the university were the biggest factors in his decision.

“They talked a lot about family. You’re not just on the team, you’re family here,” Russell said. “I mean, having all the history of Tony Gwynn and Stephen Strasburg, and just the fans in San Diego, it’s really cool.”

Strasburg would eventually become a pivotal factor in the recent success that Russell has achieved, but first came some grueling years of trial and error and discomfort. Russell’s usage and production increased year to year, but a lack of control and unfortunate arm injuries led to some uncertainty about the type of player he could become.

However, Russell’s unwavering dedication to the game and trust in himself since day one have allowed him to succeed more and more, and his teammates and coaches have taken notice.

“He knows what it takes to be good. I think him just being one of those guys who’s been here through it all, being that leader for everyone has been a big thing,” said junior outfielder Jake Jackson, the longest tenured teammate of Russell’s.

Head coach Kevin Vance also had nothing but praise for Russell and his development as a leader and pitcher for his team.

“He very clearly leads with how he handles the process and his presence. It’s contagious,” Vance said. “He’s arguably our best leader by example.”

Russell’s work ethic and dedication to the program have certainly proven to be a constant factor in individual and team success. His time as an Aztec baseball player has included three head coaches, yet he stayed strong, enjoying the process along the way and learning from everyone he encountered, which has brought him to where he is now.

Now, in his final collegiate season, Russell has applied everything he has learned to become the best version of himself on the baseball field. The main catalyst of his success, he says, is the efficient use of adrenaline.

“Learning how to control that adrenaline on the mound and be comfortable in that setting. I think that’s been a big difference, along with just my overall comfortability and confidence on the mound,” Russell said.

The perfect example of Russell utilizing his adrenaline to the fullest came on Feb. 24, in the game against No. 1 UCLA, where he closed out a thrilling 4-3 upset victory. Russell described the outing as the greatest baseball moment of his life.

“I can’t even put it into words, really. I mean, Jake caught the ball in center and I just kind of blacked out. I was like, ‘This is amazing.’ Upsetting the number one team, as San Diego State, where people say we aren’t supposed to do that. Being a mid-major and all, it was unreal,” he said.

Russell has had to pivot from his usual position as a starter, but his transition to a reliever might have been best for his development. He has unlocked a new gear in a long relief/closer role for the Aztecs, tallying 20 strikeouts to only two walks and spotting a 0.63 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.

“He could easily be a starter for us, but what’s best for the team is to have a guy like him finish games, and he had no hesitation in taking that role,” Vance said.

Russell trusted his head coach’s judgment and it paid off. Not only is he leading the Aztecs in practically every relief pitching category, but he is also gaining status as one of the best shutdown relievers in the entire country. Just recently, he reached national attention from the College Baseball Hall of Fame as a watch list pitcher for the National Pitcher of the Year as a reliever.

“I think he’s up there with the best,” Jackson said. “He’s a dog. He throws strikes and attacks his zone. I love the guy.”

Russell hopes to continue his historic season as one of the nation’s best with as SDSU begins conference play.