A Season of Records
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference revealed its 2026 baseball awards, spotlighting a year in which the Warhawks of UW-Whitewater turned dominance into a narrative of excellence.
At the heart of that narrative stood senior slugger Anthony Massa of UW-Platteville, whose .799 slugging percentage and 15 home runs earned him the Position Player of the Year award. Massa also set a 19-game hitting streak early in the campaign and delivered four-hit performances in two separate games, underscoring his consistency at the plate.
Pitching Precision
Reliever AJ Curtis from UW-La Crosse was recognized as Pitcher of the Year after logging a conference-leading 66.1 innings with a 3.53 earned run average. His season-best eight strikeouts came in back-to-back outings against UW-River Falls and UW-Stout, a performance that helped anchor the pitching staff.
A Fresh Face Emerges
Freshman Brayden Knoll of UW-Platteville captured Newcomer of the Year honors, tying for fourth in the league with ten home runs. His selection marks the first time a Pioneer has received the newcomer award, highlighting the growing talent pool across the conference.
Coaching Legacy
John Vodenlich of UW-Whitewater secured Coach of the Year for the thirteenth time, guiding his squad to a 41-4 record and a 36-game winning streak that defined the season. Under his leadership the Warhawks captured both the regular-season title and the tournament championship, cementing his place among the conference’s most decorated coaches.
The accolades extended beyond individual awards, as teammates Leyten Bowers and Aaron Holland earned repeat first-team selections from the previous year, while Andy Thies of UW-Whitewater added another first-team nod and was named the Max Sparger Scholar Athlete for 2026.
Together, these stories illustrate a conference where tradition and emerging talent intersect, setting the stage for another competitive season ahead.