Washington State’s left‑handed pitcher Nick Lewis has earned a spot among the three finalists for the ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove Award, a distinction that underscores his standout season and places him in rare company as the only southpaw on the list.
Lewis, a two‑year Mountain West Pitcher of the Year and a recurring presence on All‑Tournament teams, is chasing a milestone that has eluded Cougars pitchers since Paul Gran captured the award in 2008. His 10‑2 record and 2.97 ERA over 100 innings this year have cemented his reputation as a dominant force on the mound.
A Historic Opportunity for the Cougars
Joining the rotation, the program welcomed Jacob Hayes, a transfer from Azusa Pacific University. The 6‑5, 230‑pound first baseman and designated hitter posted 15 home runs last season, adding depth and power to the lineup as the Cougars look to build on their recent successes.
Beyond college baseball, several former Cougars are carving out professional careers in the Canadian Football League and the United Football League. Names such as Parker McKenna, Christy Nkanu, Easop Winston, Tay Martin, Ron Stone Jr., Colton Theaker, Armani Marsh and Daniel Isom illustrate the program’s expanding footprint across North American leagues.
The women’s rowing team also brought recognition to the university, with Sam Eden and Lis Ana Johansen earning spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District Team. Both students major in Psychology and maintain high GPAs, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.