A Season of Transformation
The Tarleton State Texans have rewritten the script of their program, improving from a 24‑32 record in 2025 to a 34‑19 campaign that culminated in a second regular‑season conference championship and the program’s first No. 1 seed heading into the Western Athletic Conference tournament.
At the helm, head coach Fuller Smith was honored as the WAC Coach of the Year, a recognition that underscores his ability to blend power hitting with a dominant pitching staff and to elevate the team’s overall competitiveness.
The accolades extended to the players, with outfielder Rayner Heinrich earning a spot on the All‑WAC First Team. Joining him on the Second Team were Matthew McCullough, Anthony Treto, Sergio Guerra and Jake Tatom, while Ike Shirey received a place on the WAC All‑Defensive Team.
All‑WAC Honors
Heinrich’s impact was felt across nine offensive categories, leading the team in batting average and home runs. Treto proved to be one of the nation’s most effective relievers, posting a 3.30 ERA and striking out 55 batters. McCullough added a 5‑2 record, Guerra batted .294 with 39 RBI, and Tatom combined a .290 average with seven home runs and a .970 fielding percentage. Shirey’s .939 fielding percentage helped turn 34 double plays, anchoring a defense that turned the tide for the Texans.
With the regular season now in the books, the Texans will carry this momentum into the WAC Tournament, where they open as the top seed and will meet a field that includes traditional powerhouses such as California Baptist, Sacramento State and Utah Tech.