Baseball receiving votes in NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll for first time

UHV's Jean Michael Gonzalez tags out a runner during a Red River Athletic Conference game against LSU Shreveport at Riverside Stadium on Saturday, March 23, 2024. (Sam Fowler/UHV Athletics)

November 6, 2024

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The UHV baseball team made history on Wednesday.

The Jaguars (34-17 in 2024) received 32 votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, marking the first time in program history UHV was in the preseason poll. They're the second Red River Athletic Conference team in the poll behind No. 4 LSU Shreveport.

"It's always great to get some recognition at the national level," said third-year head coach Jonathan Stavinoha. "We plan to build off that as we set the bar even higher this coming season. We are ready to prove to everyone what JagBall can be."

UHV returns six of its nine All-Conference honorees from a year ago, which helped the team tie the single-season wins record.

Senior Julian Garcia and sophomore Jacob Baker, both pitchers, are the two returning first-team honorees. Brady Parker, Mason Longoria and Hal Perez are back this season after garnering spots on the All-RRAC second team. Juan Perez, an RRAC Gold Glove third baseman, is also back for his senior season.

The Jaguars open the season at home against Wiley College on Jan. 24.