Five members of the Harding baseball team have earned a spot on the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. The selected players include graduate student Merritt Jay and seniors Logan Lacey, Cooper Newsom, Jack Opoien, and Phoenix West. This honor recognizes their excellence in both athletics and academics, requiring a GPA of 3.50 or higher and significant participation in games. Jay, with a perfect 4.00 GPA, led the pitching staff, while Newsom topped the team in offensive production. The accolades highlight Harding's commitment to fostering top-tier student-athletes.

By the Numbers
  • Merritt Jay: 4.00 GPA, 76.0 innings pitched, 72 strikeouts.
  • Cooper Newsom: 3.95 GPA, 65 RBIs, .320 batting average.
  • Logan Lacey: 3.50 GPA, 15 stolen bases, .301 batting average.
  • Jack Opoien: 3.50 GPA, 53 hits, .301 batting average.
  • Phoenix West: 3.62 GPA, 27 RBIs, .297 batting average.
State of Play
  • Harding baseball continues to excel in both sports achievements and academic performance.
  • The team features five standout players recognized for their dual success in athletics and academics.
What's Next

The success of these student-athletes may motivate younger players to prioritize academics alongside their sports careers. Harding baseball will likely continue to emphasize achieving high standards in both areas as they move forward.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Harding's baseball players showcases the importance of balancing academic excellence with athletic performance, reinforcing the narrative that successful athletes can excel off the field as well.