Delaney Baker and Riley Nielson from Southern Utah University have earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team for their impressive performance on the field and in academics during the 2026 season. Head Coach Don Don Williams applauded their dedication as exemplary student-athletes who balance athletic success with academic excellence. The award criteria require honorees to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and active participation in games, with specific performance metrics for pitchers.

By the Numbers
  • Delaney Baker made 22 appearances, pitched 68 innings, and earned five wins in the 2026 season.
  • Riley Nielson appeared in 22 games and pitched a total of 69.1 innings, securing four victories.
State of Play
  • Both players significantly contributed to the Thunderbirds鈥� pitching staff, with key victories over top contenders.
  • The team is gearing up for the offseason while losing only two seniors from their lineup going into next year.
What's Next

The Thunderbirds will focus on recruiting new talent to strengthen their roster for the 2027 season. Observers can expect updates as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.

Bottom Line

Baker and Nielson exemplify the ideal balance of athletics and academics, underlining the importance of such recognitions for student-athletes. Their achievements set a high standard for future Thunderbirds.