Three years ago, Hunter Shipley was a freshman pitcher on the Notre Dame baseball team.

While he saw limited playing time that season, Shipley was part of the team which qualified for the state tournament at Principal Park in Des Moines.

It was the experience of a lifetime for Shipley, who at the time knew it wouldn’t be the Nikes’ last trip to state before he is finished with high school.

Shipley was among a group of young players head coach Chris Chiprez called up to varsity to get the chance to experience the state tournament.

Now he receives another chance to go to state again.

Shipley, the only senior on this year’s Notre Dame team, played a vital role in helping the Nikes return to the state tournament for the first time since 2020.

Eighth-ranked Notre Dame (26-6) will play No. 9 Lisbon (25-4) in a Class 1A state quarterfinal game at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Merchants Park in Carroll.

Hunter has emerged as the ace on a deep and talented Notre Dame pitching staff.

He has compiled an 8-1 record with a 1.17 ERA heading into the state tournament.

In 54 innings, Shipley has allowed just 37 hits and 11 earned runs.

He has walked 26 batters and struck out 52 this season.

The Hawk Eye recently caught up with Shipley, the High School Athlete of the Week, to learn a little more about him.

What is your favorite sport besides baseball?

I love watching football and the Minnesota Vikings on Sundays.

What is it that you like about baseball?

Being part of a team that feels like family, and knowing that every pitch matters.

What is your best memory in baseball?

Going to the state tournament my freshmen year and being part of the Notre Dame program.

How do you and your teammates make practice fun?

We’re all vocal. We try to keep conversation about baseball and enjoy talking and cracking jokes with one another to stay loose and dialed in.

Do you have any pregame or game-day routines and what are they?

A lot. A couple of the biggest are making sure I stay well hydrated all season long, while also making sure that I get time to go through my whole throwing routine every game.

I am incredibly superstitious and usually try to wear the same socks every game.

Who is the funniest person on the team and why?

We have too many names to pick just one. I would say Isaiah Crow is hilarious because he’s always got something new and crazy in his life every day.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

This is another question that’s incredibly difficult to choose only one.

I’d have to say Nolan Ryan because of his toughness and unwavering mentality throughout his career.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

History has definitely always been one of my favorites. Every history teacher I had throughout high school taught in their own unique way that made me excited to learn.

What is your favorite meal?

Pancheros Mexican Grill in Burlington. You could ask any of my teammates, if they ever see me eating it’s always going to be Pancheros.

What is your favorite TV show?

I mostly enjoy watching pro sports. Anything competitive — football, basketball, baseball, or even hockey.

If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be and why?

I would retire my parents and grandparents, and invest in the stock market.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time and why?

Playing video games and driving around town with my friends. Any vacation with family is always something to look forward to, as well.

What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?

“Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown” — Lew Caralla (football strength and conditioning coach)

What are your future plans for college and career?

I‘m undecided on a college, but hope to get a chance to play baseball. I want to major in Business Entrepreneurship and minor in Criminal Justice.

What is something about yourself that would surprise people?

I’m a pretty decent chess player and also enjoy bowling occasionally with friends.