GREENSBORO, N.C. — The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced its All-Region teams Tuesday morning, with Utah Valley's
Mason Strong earning Second Team honors.
It marks the first career All-Region selection for Strong and the first under head coach
Nate Rasmussen since he took over the program.
The All-Region teams are voted on by ABCA member head coaches in the West Region, which includes schools in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
"Mason continues to show the country just how valuable he is. We are very fortunate to have him in our program!" said Rasmussen.
Strong appeared in 58 games for the Wolverines this season and emerged as one of the toughest outs in the Western Athletic Conference. He ranked second on the team in batting average at .366—fifth-best in the WAC—and led the team in hits with 87, edging out WAC Player of the Year Nick Dumesnil of California Baptist by one.
A native of Santa Clara, Utah, Strong delivered in clutch moments throughout Utah Valley's run to its second WAC Tournament title. In the May 22 game against Abilene Christian, he led off the ninth inning with a single, setting the stage for
CJ Colyer's game-winning three-run home run. Strong went 3-for-5 in the WAC Semifinal against Sacramento State and followed it with a perfect 4-for-4 performance in the championship game, including two late-inning home runs. His two-run shot in the ninth proved to be the game-winner.
Strong was the lone WAC representative on the West Region team. Abilene Christian's Zandt Payne, Diego Cardenas, and Dominick Reid earned Second Team All-Central honors.
This is Utah Valley's eighth all-time ABCA All-Region selection and the first time the program has had back-to-back honorees since 2011 and 2012. Previously part of the Midwest Region, the Wolverines have now been recognized in the West Region twice.
Utah Valley ABCA All-Region Selections
- 2025 – Mason Strong (Second Team)
- 2024 – Daniel Dickinson (Second Team)
- 2014 – Mark Krueger (First Team)
- 2012 – Goose Kallunki (First Team)
- 2012 – Austin Heaps (First Team)
- 2011 – Chris Benson (Second Team)
- 2010 – Chris Benson (Second Team)
- 2010 – Jace Brinkerhoff (Second Team)
