The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) has unveiled its 2026 NCAA Division III Region IX All‑Defensive Team, spotlighting four exceptional players from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The selections reflect a season in which defensive excellence was a defining theme across the league.
Gold Glove Honors for Holland
Aaron Holland of the University of Wisconsin‑Whitewater not only earned a Gold Glove but also secured a spot on the all‑defensive team. His arm proved lethal, throwing out 20 baserunners for a .487 caught‑stealing rate — one of the highest marks in Division III. Holland added 331 putouts and 40 assists, contributing to a .992 fielding percentage that underscored his reliability.
Defensive Consistency Across the Conference
Logan Hesselman from UW‑Eau Claire posted a .992 fielding percentage with 363 putouts and 12 assists while committing just three errors. Chris Calico of UW‑La Crosse matched that precision, recording 127 putouts, 10 assists and only a single error. Evan Bohr of UW‑Platteville, meanwhile, turned five double plays and finished the season with a .991 fielding percentage after just one error in 117 chances, capping his final 33 games with flawless play.
Selection Process Behind the Honors
The ABCA/Rawlings Region All‑Defensive Awards and Gold Glove recognitions are determined by committees of ABCA coaches who evaluate statistical performance, impact on team outcomes and overall defensive contribution. This rigorous selection ensures that the honorees represent the pinnacle of defensive skill within the region.
The acknowledgment of these WIAC athletes not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the conference’s depth in producing top‑tier defensive talent. As the next season approaches, the standards set by Holland, Hesselman, Calico and Bohr will likely inspire peers and elevate the competitive spirit across collegiate baseball programs.