The Southland Conference recently announced its All-Academic Team, and five members of the New Orleans Privateers baseball squad earned the distinction, highlighting the program’s blend of athletic and scholarly ambition.
A Season of Scholarship
Since 2021 the Privateers have placed multiple players on the honor roll each season, accumulating 18 academic awardees in just five years, a testament to the coaching staff’s emphasis on balancing the classroom with the clubhouse.
Among the honorees, Dylan Biddick maintained a 3.60 GPA while ranking sixth in the league for on-base percentage at .440, showcasing a disciplined approach at the plate.
Eli Tidwell, a finance major, posted a 3.91 GPA and led the team with 45 runs scored, illustrating how academic rigor can translate into on-field productivity.
Luke Lycette, a two-time Southland Pitcher of the Week, carried a 3.33 GPA in higher education and combined that with a strong pitching repertoire that helped anchor the rotation.
Owen Smith, pursuing a business administration degree, graduated with a 3.56 GPA and contributed 13 stolen bases, the second-most on the club, while Dathan Cummings balanced a 3.90 GPA in interdisciplinary studies with a .290 batting average and 16 RBI.
These achievements underscore a culture where academic excellence is celebrated alongside athletic success, a narrative that resonates with the University of New Orleans, the institution behind the Privateers.
Located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and competing out of Frisco, Texas, the team continues to embody the university’s commitment to holistic development.