07/25/2026
Hunter Dillard’s commitment to Belmont Abbey is about so much more than choosing a college—it represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and staying the course through one of the most challenging recruiting eras youth athletes have ever faced.
He’s been with us as the rules have changed. The transfer portal, roster limits, NIL, and shifting scholarship opportunities have forced families to navigate a recruiting process unlike anything we’ve seen before. Through all of it, Hunter never stopped working, never stopped believing, and earned every bit of this opportunity.
What makes this commitment even more special is the people who stood beside him.
Barry Dillard has been everything a young athlete could ask for—a father, mentor, coach, and unwavering support system. He poured countless hours into Hunter’s development, not just as a baseball player, but as a young man of character. Great athletes are built through discipline and talent. Great people are built through the example set at home and threw it all our friendship grew through daily texts and late night conversations
A tremendous amount of credit also belongs to Coach Danny Pralgo and everyone 6-4-3 DP Baseball. Their commitment to player development and helping athletes navigate today’s recruiting landscape has made a lasting impact on so many families, and Hunter is another example of that mission paying off.
Congratulations to Hunter Dillard , Barry-Katie Dillard , Coach Pralgo, the 643 Group, and everyone who played a role in this journey.
Belmont Abbey is getting a tremendous baseball player, but more importantly, they’re getting a young man who has earned this opportunity the right way.
The work doesn’t stop here—it simply reaches a new level. Congratulations, Hunter. The future is bright. thank you Kirk Doyle for the intro once upon a time