Highland Park’s baseball team will have a new coach manning the dugout in 2027.
Travis Yoder, who had been with the program for 20 years, has resigned from his post. In his 13 seasons as HP’s head coach, Yoder led the Scots to numerous playoff berths and district titles, including one final championship in 2026.
His 13 seasons make him the second-longest tenured head coach in HP baseball history.
Yoder said the decision is something he and his family had been pondering for years, and the time — which coincides with the graduation of his son and senior catcher Parker — finally felt right.
“When Parker was getting to high school, my wife and I talked about what a way to go out that would be,” Yoder said. “A couple years went by, and we didn’t give it much more thought, but over the last few years we began considering it again and the time for a change just felt right.
“So I spoke with (HP athletic director) Jeremy (Gilbert) and he talked me through the process and was very supportive in my decision.”
Yoder added that moving closer to his home in McKinney, where his daughter just completed her sophomore year at McKinney North, also played a role.
“I’ve been driving two hours every day for work for years,” Yoder said. “Even before HP, I was in Dallas. I just thought the time was right to be closer to McKinney and to be closer to my daughter for her last few years of high school.
“We ended our baseball camp at HP (May 28) and it was perfect timing. And I’ll get to spend more time this summer with Parker before he goes off to Arkansas as a student.”
Yoder added that he could potentially return to coaching in the future.
“It’s something I would consider if the right position became available,” he said. “And I know there are some great jobs out there right now. But for me, there’s no rush. I’m going to enjoy this summer.”
In the meantime, Yoder has reminisced on his time at HP, including finishing his tenure with a district title and berth in the area round of the Class 5A playoffs.
“I absolutely loved this season,” Yoder said. “When I started considering leaving, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t leaving on a sour note. This season was anything but that.”
He has also enjoyed hearing from former players and staff members since the conclusion of the season and is thankful for the relationships built during his time with the Scots.
“It’s never been about wins or losses for me,” Yoder said. “You could ask me right now how many wins I have as a head coach and I have no idea. I tell the kids all the time that the wins and losses will come and go, for me it’s all about creating an experience for the kids that will last forever. I’m blessed to have just been a small part of that and it’s something I will treasure forever … and having former players come back and seeing the success they’re having in life, I really cherish that. Highland Park has been so fantastic to me and it’s something I’ll never be able to repay.”
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