When Chris ‘Skip’ Hanks attended Mesa State College, he didn’t even walk at his own commencement ceremony. Thirty-two years later, however, he was the keynote speaker at Colorado Mesa University’s December 2025 commencement, celebrating the moment with the 673 graduates receiving their certificates or degrees that day.
During his final semester at Mesa State College, Hanks spent his time doing homework at the Spring Training Complex in Arizona, preparing to be called up to play Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox, and later the Detroit Tigers, before an injury ended his professional career. At a time before the internet or cell phones, Hanks felt it was important to see his degree through to completion, and thanks to the support and flexibility of his professors, he accomplished that goal while pursuing a career away.
Today, Hanks has spent 33 years on the coaching staff for CMU’s baseball team. During his speech, Hanks made a nod to a frequent question he is asked: “Why don’t you seek out a ‘big time’ job somewhere else?” His response has remained the same, and it has to do with his mindset. He has dedicated his time to CMU because his mindset is that he will make wherever he is the “big time.”
Hanks has been a part of many big-time moments. He is a 12-time Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Coach of the Year, has been named ABCA Regional Coach of the Year five times, and earned NCBWA National Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2021. His teams have won over 1,100 games, captured 18 RMAC titles, and reached the NCAA Division II World Series four times.
Leaning on a strong mentality is how Hanks has helped student-athletes and teams become their best. During his speech, he shared what his first office at CMU was like (an old custodian closet), and his first task was to get the Athletic Director at the time a cup of coffee. First offended, he quickly shifted his mindset and was determined to do the best that he could at any task thrown his way—no matter how menial. His attitude and mentality were challenged that day, but it is a lesson he carries with him.
Another key message was that excellence isn’t about perfection; it’s about the conscious choice to create habits that stack up each day. The standard of putting your feet on the floor and attacking the day can help shift a poor mindset, Hanks shared. He also mentioned the compound effect, how small increments lead to massive improvements over time.
“What’s a ‘win’ in your business? It doesn’t matter if you’re an automotive mechanic, if you’re a nurse, if you’re a teacher. Figure out what wins and then attack those disciplines,” Hanks said. “Confidence doesn’t come from talent, it comes from discipline, hard work, and attitude.”
His closing message was about “white belt spirit,” referencing how the father of Judo, Jigoro Kano, insisted he be buried with a white belt when he was put to rest, instead of the black belt he had earned and was legitimately entitled to. Many people questioned this decision, but Kano’s message was simple—where he was going, he wanted to continue to learn.
Hanks encouraged graduates to develop this spirit, to be committed to learning after they walk across the stage with a diploma in hand.
“There is always something that can be accelerated and improved, but you have to commit to the long haul,” Hanks said.
Through practice, patience and keeping a positive attitude, anything is possible. Hanks’ message to the class of ’25 was inspiring, but not unlike the lessons he works to impart on his team every day. To be a maverick is to lead a life that is not measured by external stressors or expectations, it is about defining one’s own path and charging ahead with confidence.