FHSU Athletics
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Fort Hays State catcher Luis Ayala was named to the 2025 American Baseball Coaches Association Central Region All-Defensive Team, announced Thursday by the ABCA.
This year's MIAA Gold Glove winner led the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 329 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, and added 34 assists while posting a fielding percentage of .989. The Panama City, Panama native appeared in 45 games on the year and allowed just one passed ball.
The Tigers have now had a player earn a spot on the regional All-Defensive Team for two consecutive seasons after Trey DeGarmo was picked for the honor at third base last season. Ayala's effort helped the Tigers reach the postseason for a second-consecutive season and win 32 games, the highest team total since 2007.
Ayala was one of six MIAA student-athletes listed on the regional All-Defensive Team, with the Northern Sun earning two spots and the Great American Conference garnering the final award.
2025 ABCA NCAA Div. II All-Defensive Team: Central Region
Position - Player - School
C - Luis Ayala - Fort Hays State
1B - Cade Cancilla - Arkansas Monticello
2B - Andrew Ramirez - Rogers State
3B - Jacob Steele - Central Missouri
SS - Rickey Sanchez - Pittsburg State
OF - Nolan Drossel - Sioux Falls
OF - Ashton Neuman - Northwest Missouri
OF - Jason Axelberg - Augustana}
P - Caden Bressler - Washburn