NAIA BALL PlAYER, PITCHER & TEAM OF THE WEEK
Voted by NAIA Ball and Community
Player of the Week
Week 13 – NAIA Ball Player of the Week
Ben Kennedy - Taylor (IN) -Ben Kennedy of Taylor (IN) powered one of the most explosive weekends in the NAIA, earning Ball Player of the Week honors after a dominant showing in the No. 2 Trojans’ four-game sweep of Indiana Wesleyan. The senior went 8-for-15 with three doubles, four home runs, and 12 RBIs, consistently delivering impact swings that fueled the offense and extended Taylor’s program-record win streak to 24 games. Kennedy’s ability to do damage in every phase—extra-base power, run production, and timely hitting—set the tone for a lineup that overwhelmed its opponent, making him the clear standout in a week filled with strong performances across the country. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
Pitcher of the Week
Week 13 – NAIA Ball Pitcher of the Week
Tristan Calmes - UHSP (MO) - Tristan Calmes of UHSP (MO) delivered one of the most overpowering starts of the NAIA season, earning Pitcher of the Week honors after a dominant complete-game performance in the Eutectics’ 3-2 win over Columbia (MO). The senior right-hander went the full nine innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs while racking up an eye-popping 17 strikeouts. Calmes controlled the game from the outset, missing bats at an elite rate and shutting down any momentum Columbia tried to build. In a tightly contested matchup, his ability to take over and carry his team across the finish line made this outing stand above the rest. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
Team of the Week
Week 13 – NAIA Ball Team of the Week
Thomas (GA) - Thomas (GA) earns NAIA Ball Team of the Week honors as the Nighthawks continue their surge, now winners of 14 of their last 16 games. The highlight came over the weekend, when Thomas secured a statement series victory over No. 14 William Carey (MS)—the first time in program history the Nighthawks have taken down the Crusaders in a series. It’s the latest step in a sustained climb, with Thomas pairing steady pitching and timely offense to break through against a nationally ranked opponent and solidify its momentum heading deeper into the season. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
