Colton Bender grew up with a baseball glove in hand, carrying on a family lineage as a fourth-generation catcher. His dedication to the game propelled him to Division I baseball at Quinnipiac University, the Cape Cod League, and ultimately fulfilling his childhood dream when he was drafted by the San Diego Padres. However, behind the accolades and stats, the pressure to perform created an identity crisis that culminated in high-profile setbacks and a wave of injuries during professional spring training. Stripped of the one thing that gave him purpose, Colton hit his knees in isolation and surrendered his life to God. In that moment, his perspective shifted entirely from personal performance to serving others. Anchored by Luke 3:5–6, Colton founded the Peaks & Valleys Mindset to help people navigate life's highs and lows. He lives with his wife and son, using his story and the Peaks & Valleys Daily Journal to help others navigate their season of life.