MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - At just 18 years old, one Mobile Christian graduate is making school history — and stepping into a future of service, leadership, and honor. Noah Blackburn has officially been accepted into the United States Naval Academy — becoming the first MCS student ever to receive this prestigious appointment. The former Leopard’s baseball standout has had a journey built on discipline, teamwork, and belief that anything is possible.

He knows what it’s like to put on a uniform, step onto a field, and give everything he’s got. For years, that uniform was Mobile Christian’s navy blue and Vegas gold — a staple on the baseball team, helping lead the Leopards to back-to-back 4A state titles in 2021 and 2022, and a 5A runner-up finish in 2024. Noah started playing when he was just three years old and hung up this cleats for the final time after the conclusion of the season. His dedication to the sport has prepared him for this new chapter.

“From the physical aspect of it, I think it’s going to be a huge plus. I’m used to doing hard stuff like that. From the team aspect of it, especially playing a sport like baseball, where you are only ever as good as your team is, it’s going to play in my benefit really well I’m hoping.”

Now, he’s trading his baseball uniform for the U.S. Naval Academy’s uniforms and gearing up for an even bigger challenge — one only about 8% of applicants accomplish. Noah has earned an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland — one of the most selective institutions in the country.

Admission to the Academy requires more than just top grades and test scores. Applicants must be nominated by a U.S. Congressman, Senator, or military official. They must pass a rigorous physical fitness test, undergo a full medical evaluation, and prove themselves as leaders — in the classroom, in their communities, and in life. For Noah, it’s the culmination of a dream years in the making.

“I went up there and I spent a week on the yard for summer seminar, and I absolutely loved it. I loved being up there, and as soon as it was over, as soon as I left, it was like okay, how do I get back to this place? This is something I said from the beginning, that if God wants me to go down this route, then this is where he’ll send me, and he’ll put this door in front of me. And so it opened, and it was it was obvious to me that this is what I had to.”

At Mobile Christian, Noah is now part of history. He’s the first student in school history to be appointed to the Naval Academy. And for him, it’s not just about what he’s achieved — it’s about what’s possible for the students coming up behind him.

“For me, it’s more about just making a difference and showing others that you can serve, whether or not you think you can. That was a big part of it for me too. I I saw other people like me, and I saw the things that they were able to do, and I said, I want to do that too, and so maybe other people will see that from me and choose to make that decision.”

Before his appointment, Noah had committed to play baseball at Pensacola State. But when the Naval Academy called, he answered — with honor and pride. He’ll report on June 26th for Plebe Summer, a six-week boot camp designed to shape the Navy’s future leaders — mentally, physically, and morally.

During this time, plebes have no access to television, movies, the internet, or music and restricted access to cell phones. They are only permitted to make two calls during the six weeks.

“The isolation part is going to be the hard part of it, but that’s the point, so I’m excited for that, and I’m excited for the challenges that it brings. I’m kind of looking at it as a challenge, because it’s supposed to be hard.”

He’s a scholar, an athlete, and now, a future Naval officer — leaving a legacy that goes far beyond the baseball field.

“I’m not going to say the dream changed, but it shifted directions, if that makes sense, because it was always, “let’s go play college baseball” and now I can I can do something more than that.”