Academic Excellence Award Highlights Team’s Scholarship
The University of Evansville baseball program celebrated a milestone as its 2025‑26 squad was named a recipient of the American Baseball Coaches Association’s Team Academic Excellence Award. The honor, announced this week, underscores the team’s commitment to scholarly achievement alongside athletic performance.
During the 2025‑26 academic year the team posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.46, a figure that places it among the nation’s top collegiate programs in balancing coursework with a demanding schedule. The award, which recognizes collective academic performance, reflects the collective effort of coaches, staff, and student‑athletes.
The recognition comes as five members of the roster earned additional scholarly accolades. Max Hansmann, Reid Haire, Owen Byberg and Chris McCormack were each selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District Team, while all five also appear on the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar‑Athlete list.
Ryan Seddon, the team’s head coach, praised the student‑athletes for their dedication both on the diamond and in the classroom. “This award is a testament to the culture we’ve built at Evansville,” Seddon said. “Our players understand that excellence in the classroom is as important as success on the field.”
The university’s athletic department highlighted the achievement as part of a broader initiative to promote academic integrity and community engagement. The honor also aligns with the institution’s mission to develop well‑rounded leaders who contribute to society beyond sports.
The five scholar‑athletes join a growing list of Evansville alumni who have leveraged their academic credentials into professional opportunities. Their recognitions illustrate the tangible benefits of the university’s integrated approach to athletics and education.