By Gene Galin
Siler City, NC – The Jordan-Matthews Sports Hall of Fame welcomed a new member on January 24, 2025, as Casey Golden was officially inducted for his outstanding athletic achievements. Golden, a multi-sport athlete at Jordan-Matthews High School, went on to have a stellar college career and played professionally in Major League Baseball. Casey sat down with Asheebo Rojas of the Chatham News & Record newspaper and me in the school’s media center for a quick conversation.
Golden, who has made significant strides in baseball since his high school days, reflected on his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. His story can serve as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere, illustrating how hard work, dedication, and a supportive community can propel an individual from a small town to the heights of professional sports.
A Moment of Honor
Golden described the induction as an overwhelming honor, emphasizing that it was not something he envisioned as a high school athlete but appreciated deeply in retrospect.
“It’s a great honor. There are so many people to thank. It’s not something you think about as a high school athlete, but later on, you realize what a privilege it is,” Golden said. A lot of great athletes have walked these halls, and it’s humbling to be among them.
The Early Years: Foundations of Success
Growing Up in a Small Town
Casey Golden’s story begins in Siler City, where he navigated the challenges of being a small-town athlete in a competitive sporting environment. Growing up, he was always aware of the need to prove himself. “You have to approach every situation and every kind of sport with a chip on your shoulder,” Golden stated. This mindset, he believes, is crucial for anyone coming from a less recognized background, especially in sports where talent is often overshadowed by the prestige of larger programs.
The Role of Mentorship
Golden credits much of his success to the influential figures in his life during his formative years. Coaches, teammates, and even physical therapists played pivotal roles in shaping his work ethic and resilience. He recounted a particularly challenging moment in high school when he broke his leg during basketball practice. While this incident could have derailed his athletic career, it instead taught him invaluable life lessons about perseverance and commitment.
“It sounds morbid, but that injury taught me a lot about resilience,” Golden said. He was told rehab would take six to eight months, but he was back in four because he refused to miss baseball season. He didn’t want to let his teammates down.
High School Athletic Career: A Multi-Sport Athlete
Balancing Multiple Sports
At Jordan-Matthews, Golden excelled in various sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. However, it was baseball that captured his heart. “I was definitely a lot better at baseball than I was at basketball,” he admitted. This realization led him to focus more on baseball, where he felt most comfortable and passionate. His dedication to the sport began at a young age, with memories of playing t-ball at four or five years old sparking his lifelong love for the game.
His passion paid off, as he went on to play at the University of South Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and was later named the 2017 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year.
Lessons from Jordan-Matthews
Golden credited much of his success to the lessons he learned while competing at Jordan-Matthews.
“You’re always a small fish in a big pond when you come from a place like Siler City, and you have to prove yourself,” Golden explained. He feels that nothing is ever given to you, and that mentality carried him through college and into the pros.
He also highlighted the importance of hard work, faith, and perseverance. “The Lord blessed me with talent, but also with drive and ambition.” He always wanted to be the hardest worker in the room, and that mindset made a difference in his journey.
Looking back on his high school career, Golden recalled one of his most memorable plays: a backhanded stop in the shortstop hole, followed by a jump throw to first base in true Derek Jeter fashion.
Building a Winning Culture
Golden’s time at Jordan-Matthews was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie among athletes. He emphasized the importance of a supportive culture, where everyone cheered for each other’s successes.
“Everybody wanted everybody to succeed,” he said. “You hold each other to a higher standard and when everybody’s winning it makes it a fun environment. You want everybody to succeed on and off the court and on and off the field.” This culture of mutual support not only fostered individual growth but also contributed to the overall success of the teams.
He recalled heated rivalries with Northwood and Chatham Central, emphasizing that losing was never an option. “We used to take it extremely personal in the county and it was Northwood and Chatham Central. We didn’t want to lose to them in anything; not even probably debate team and that’s just how we were,” Golden said with a laugh.
“I’m very good friends with a lot of guys that went to Northwood that we played against and they just said man like playing you guys was terrible because you just never wanted to give up and you never wanted to lose.”
Transition to College: Overcoming New Challenges
Moving to the Next Level
Golden’s transition from high school to college baseball at UNC Wilmington was not without its challenges. Initially, he struggled to adjust to the heightened level of competition. “It didn’t happen instantly,” he admitted. However, his determination to outwork his peers became a defining characteristic of his college career. He recognized that to succeed, he needed to commit to a rigorous training regimen that included everything from nutrition to sleep.
“First time I was on campus nobody knows where Siler City is,” Golden said. He believed that you make your mark by working harder than everyone else. That’s how you earn respect.
Achieving Recognition
Through hard work and dedication, Golden’s efforts paid off when he was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year in 2017. This recognition not only validated his commitment but also showcased the potential of athletes from smaller towns. “You have to have a chip on your shoulder,” he reiterated, emphasizing that success is often a result of relentless effort and perseverance.
Professional Career: The Journey to the MLB
Drafted into the Big Leagues
Golden’s journey culminated in being drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB), a dream many young athletes aspire to achieve. Reflecting on this milestone, he expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. “I didn’t do this alone,” he stated, acknowledging the role of coaches, teammates, and family in his success. This sentiment underscores the importance of community in fostering athletic talent.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Throughout his professional career, Golden continued to embrace the lessons he learned from his high school days. He emphasized the importance of hard work over natural talent, stating, “Natural abilities only get you so far.” His philosophy is that relentless effort, combined with a commitment to improvement, can lead to success, regardless of one’s starting point.
A Message to Young Athletes
Golden offered advice to young athletes aspiring to make their mark in sports. He encouraged them to embrace hard work, stay committed to their goals, and prioritize their education. “You can have all the talent in the world, but without grades, you won’t get far,” he warned. His message resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the importance of a well-rounded approach to athletics and life.
“Natural ability only takes you so far. Hard work is what separates good from great,” he said. You have to obsess over the details—hydration, nutrition, weight training, and schoolwork. It all matters.
He stressed the importance of education, warning young athletes not to rely solely on their sports careers.
“Grades are everything. You don’t want to get to the door of an opportunity and have it shut because your academics weren’t strong enough.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Casey Golden’s induction into the Jordan-Matthews Sports Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of his athletic achievements; it is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and community support. His journey from a small-town athlete to a professional player serves as an inspiration for future generations.
For young athletes dreaming of success, Golden’s journey proves that talent may open doors, but it is relentless dedication that truly paves the way to greatness.
Watch the video on YouTube – Jordan-Matthews Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Casey Golden – 1.24.25
Casey Golden Reflects on His Induction into the Jordan-Matthews Sports Hall of Fame and His Athletic Journey
00:15 Casey Golden reflects on his Hall of Fame honor and journey from high school athletics.
- He expresses pride and humility for the recognition, acknowledging the influence of past athletes.
- Golden emphasizes the importance of hard work and resilience learned from his experiences at Jordan Matthews.
02:19 Casey Golden shares life lessons from sports and the importance of hard work.
- Overcame significant physical challenges and injuries to stay dedicated to baseball, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic.
- Chose to focus on baseball over other sports due to greater skill and passion developed from a young age.
04:12 Casey Golden reflects on his journey from small town to college stardom.
- Transitioning from a small school, Golden emphasizes the drive needed to prove oneself in a larger setting.
- His hard work and determination led to recognition as Player of the Year in 2017, highlighting the significance of perseverance.
06:20 Casey Golden emphasizes the importance of dedication and teamwork in sports success.
- He highlights the significance of trust in coaches and a commitment to training, nutrition, and hydration.
- Golden reflects on the supportive culture among athletes at his school, fostering a competitive but friendly environment.
08:16 Team culture at JM emphasized hard work and mutual support against competition.
- The competitive spirit fostered an ‘us against the world’ mentality, motivating athletes to excel.
- Students supported each other across various sports, contributing to overall success and camaraderie.
10:17 Success in sports requires dedication beyond natural talent.
- Youth athletes must focus on hydration, nutrition, sleep, and academics to excel.
- Achieving long-term success demands a commitment to consistent improvement and routine changes.
12:13 Casey Golden shares memorable sports experiences from high school and college.
- Favorite college moment was hitting a walk-off home run, an exhilarating experience.
- In high school, highlighted a defensive play where he made an impressive out at first base.
14:37 Casey Golden values his Hall of Fame induction as a top athletic achievement.
- Golden expresses pride in his induction, ranking it among his top five athletic accomplishments.
- He acknowledges the support from teammates, coaches, and family while emphasizing humility and appreciation for the recognition.