Four players from the Southwest Minnesota State University baseball team have been recognized as Academic All-District by College Sport Communicators. Senior Levi Lampert and sophomores Jared Cortez, Jameson Quinn, and Nathan Wheeler received the honors for their impressive performances both academically and on the field. The All-District team honors student-athletes with a GPA of 3.50 or higher who have significantly contributed in games. This accolade highlights the balance of academic and athletic excellence among student-athletes.

By the Numbers
  • Levi Lampert: .355 batting average, 7 home runs, 53 runs scored in 48 games.
  • Jared Cortez: .370 batting average, 68 hits, and 16 doubles in 48 games.
State of Play
  • SMSU baseball finished the 2026 season with a record of 20-28 overall.
  • Cortez ranked tied for fourth in single-season hits in team history.
What's Next

Looking ahead, these four players will likely continue to excel in their respective academic and athletic pursuits, possibly advancing to further honors or leadership roles within the program. The recognition can also enhance their prospects in future athletic careers.

Bottom Line

The standout achievements of these four SMSU players underscore the significance of maintaining high academic standards alongside athletic performance, serving as an inspiration for current and future student-athletes.