Brevin McCool and Ryan Markwardt Shine as All-Americans
In a recent announcement, Brevin McCool and Ryan Markwardt were recognized as All-Americans by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). McCool earned a spot on the First Team, while Markwardt secured the Third Team.
McCool has had an outstanding season, now holding the title of consensus First Team All-American. He has also gained recognition from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA). This year, he was named both the NCBWA and D2CCA National Player of the Year. The ABCA Player of the Year winner will be revealed this summer.
Hailing from Hobbs, New Mexico, McCool was also honored as the South Central Region Player of the Year across all three organizations. He not only stood out as the Lone Star Conference (LSC) Player of the Year but also earned the Academic Player of the Year title.
In his final season at Lubbock Christian University, McCool displayed impressive stats, hitting .406 and achieving a .507 on-base percentage with 47 walks. He smashed 31 home runs, breaking multiple records in the process, including the LSC single-game, single-season, and career home run records. His achievements include 15 doubles, four triples, a .936 slugging percentage, and a remarkable 205 total bases, contributing to 84 RBIs and 76 runs scored. McCool has tied for second in career home runs in Chap history with 61 and holds several other records, showcasing his remarkable talent.
Markwardt also had a notable season, claiming his second All-America honor after receiving an Honorable Mention from the D2CCA. He was recognized as a consensus All-South Central Region First Team selection and won the Pitcher of the Year award in his region. Like McCool, he was named LSC Pitcher of the Year.
Over 16 starts this season, Markwardt pitched 86.2 innings, posting a solid 3.53 ERA. He delivered four complete games and three shutouts while striking out 89 batters. Opponents struggled against him, hitting just .253, and with 235 career strikeouts, Markwardt is tied for eighth in all-time strikeouts in LCU history.
Lubbock Christian finished the 2025 season with a record of 34-23, placing fourth in the LSC with a conference record of 30-18. The team celebrated a significant milestone, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year and marking the sixth occasion in the program’s history.
According to recent NCAA statistics, approximately 90% of student-athletes in Division II are not just athletes but also excel academically, making honors like those received by McCool and Markwardt even more commendable. These achievements underscore the balance of academic excellence and athletic success, reflecting a growing trend in college sports.
As these athletes continue their journeys, they serve as role models for future generations, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable outcomes, both on and off the field.