Naperville Central’s Grant Umbright: A Leader on and off the Field

Naperville Central senior Grant Umbright consistently displayed a composed demeanor that instilled confidence in his teammates. Whether pitching, playing third, batting, or running bases, his presence was reassuring.

“Grant is amazing,” said junior outfielder Jermaine Kenady. “He gives us the courage to be aggressive. Whenever he’s on the mound, we know it’s time to go.”

Umbright’s performance in 2026 earned him the Naperville Sun Baseball Player of the Year title. Committed to John A. Logan, he led the pitching staff with a 9-1 record, a 2.03 ERA, 31 hits allowed, and 71 strikeouts over 48 1/3 innings.

As the third hitter in the lineup, he achieved a .324 batting average, led his team with four triples and four home runs, and accumulated 30 RBIs and 36 runs. This contribution was vital for the Redhawks, who won 15 consecutive games, advancing to the Class 4A state semifinals and securing a state trophy for the third time in program history.

“He’s very calm,” Kenady remarked. “He doesn’t let any play or moment shake him.”

During a sectional semifinal against Hinsdale Central, Kenady lost sight of a ball in the lights while Umbright was pitching. “He said, ‘It’s fine. I got it. Just go hit.’ That reassured us that it’s natural to be nervous, but not to show it,” Kenady added.

Naperville Central coach Mike Stock saw Umbright’s potential early on. “Last year, he faced challenges on the mound but didn’t let it affect him elsewhere. This year, he commanded the game and inspired his teammates to elevate theirs.”

The team found momentum during a spring break trip to Florida, winning four of five games. “We really built something there,” Umbright said. “We were on fire after that.”

Despite lacking Division I commits and postseason experience, the Redhawks surpassed expectations with Umbright’s leadership. “Grant is a joy,” said Stock. “Great respect and fun with teammates marked his season. His performance became bigger than him, focused on team victories.”

Umbright cherished his final year at Naperville Central. “I’ve been on varsity since sophomore year, but this year has been the best. The best group of guys, hard workers, always supportive,” he said.

Catcher Ashton Feldott, new to varsity, adjusted to catching Umbright’s 94 mph fastball. “It was tough initially,” Feldott said. “Now it’s fun because he always hits his spot.” Umbright’s change-up, 17 mph slower than his fastball, made it hard for hitters.

“Hitters can’t manage under pressure,” Feldott noted.

Umbright excelled against elite pitching, going 3-for-3 against Minooka’s Zane Caves, a Michigan State recruit, and securing the pitching win in the Redhawks’ 4-2 supersectional triumph. He anticipates focusing on pitching at John A. Logan.

“I have a long way to go,” Umbright said. “I need to get bigger and stronger, something I’m working on in the weight room. They’ll help me develop further, making this journey promising.”

Freelance reporter Matt Le Cren contributed to this report.