All-State Iola High School catcher Tre Wilson announced on social media his verbal commitment to play for Emporia State University in the Spring of 2027.
Just days before entering his senior year, Wilson announced he plans to trade his Iola blue and gold for black and gold as he transitions to university life as an Emporia Hornet.
“Tre has been spectacular for our team and our community for the past three years,” said Coach Levi Ashmore, who played for Neosho County Community College before transferring to Emporia.
“He has a big year coming up as a senior and we’re going to build some stuff around him. He earned himself a lot of offers, a lot of opportunities to go play for some storied programs and storied coaches and have a lot of different experiences.”
Last summer, state officials recognized Wilson with an all-state second team selection. The switch-hitter was by far the Mustangs’ most threatening bat. Wilson wrapped up the year with a .420 batting average, including seven home runs and 27 RBIs on 29 hits.
Wilson also came in as a relief pitcher and tallied six strikeouts in four appearances. With power whether hitting right or left, Ashmore said Wilson’s talent garnered the attention of college coaches throughout the Midwest.
“He wanted to play at the highest level possible,” Ashmore said. “He wants to make a big impact quickly. Emporia is going to allow him the opportunity to do that.”
According to Ashmore, Wilson’s talents on the diamond have made him a household name in the area.
While serving as an example to underclassmen, Wilson also does not shy away from working with area kids.
“I don’t know if there has ever been quite the full package like Tre,” said Ashmore. “He’s so good to our youth and the middle schoolers, elementary students and even the toddlers.
“My two-year-old knows him on a first-name basis and there are probably numerous others who do as well.”
Ashmore believes Wilson has the ability and skill-set to take his play beyond college baseball, if he elects.
“I know that sounds crazy, but if you go to the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, those kids are signing at 17,” Ashmore said. “Tre has an unbelievable skillset. He’s strong. He’s fast. And he hasn’t even played his senior year. The sky is the limit. He’s a unicorn. He’s a one- every-hundred-years type of player.”
