A Season of Distinction
The 2026 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Team has announced its latest cohort, honoring a select group of student-athletes who have excelled both on the playing field and in the classroom.
Eligibility for the distinction requires sophomore standing, a full academic year at the institution, a minimum 3.5 GPA, and participation in at least half of the team’s contests, underscoring the rigorous standards set by the organization.
Among the honorees are four members of the Franklin & Marshall baseball program, each of whom has contributed significantly to the Diplomats’ competitive edge while maintaining academic excellence.
Matt Hollender, a senior standout, not only secured a place on the All-District squad but also earned All-America accolades, becoming the fourth player in program history to achieve that milestone.
His performance at the plate was nothing short of historic: he posted a conference-best .453 batting average, a .781 slugging percentage, and an on-base percentage of .530, while breaking the career slugging record and setting a single-season RBI mark of 54.
Kiernan Keller, a junior pitcher, earned his third consecutive All-District selection and was additionally named the Centennial Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year, reflecting his sustained excellence.
On the mound, Keller compiled a 4.38 ERA over 49.1 innings, striking out 51 batters, while also contributing two wins and two saves, and limiting opponents to a .249 batting average.
Michael von Zuben and Tanner Wolpert, both recognized for the second straight season, posted strong all-around numbers; von Zuben batted .367 with a .443 on-base percentage and .467 slugging percentage, adding 34 RBI and 13 stolen bases, while Wolpert hit .375 with a .670 slugging percentage and a career-high six RBI in a single game.
The Diplomats concluded the 2026 campaign with an overall record of 22-15-1, finishing 8-9-1 in Centennial Conference play, a testament to a competitive season that blended athletic grit with scholarly discipline.
All four honorees now advance to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot, where their continued impact could further elevate Franklin & Marshall’s reputation for producing well-rounded leaders in collegiate baseball.