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2025 GNAC Preseason Baseball Poll Announced

GNAC Baseball Preseason Poll Article Graphic

GNAC Baseball Preseason Poll Released

The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) has released its 2025 baseball preseason coaches poll, with the Northwest Nazarene University Nighthawks emerging as conference favorites. Securing three first-place votes and accumulating 22 total points, the Nighthawks (36-15-1, 23-9) are positioned to defend their dual 2024 titles—both the regular-season championship and conference tournament trophy.

GNAC Baseball Preseason Poll


Our Team Previews

First Place Vote Getters

Head Coach Joe Schaefer, who was honored as GNAC Coach of the Year in 2024, enters his seventh season with a proven track record of developing competitive baseball programs. Wade Duncan, the conference’s top closer, showcased remarkable skill with nine saves and a stellar 2.41 ERA. Reigning conference Freshman of the Year Carter Walsh returns after posting a .321/.438/.473 slash line with 27 stolen bases.

Western Oregon, positioned as last year’s runners-up, presents a formidable challenge to NNU’s potential repeat. The Wolves will leverage the offensive talents of players like Owen Bischoff (.329 AVG, 10 SB) and John Oleson (.313 BA, 5 HR, 36 RBI) along with returning starter Jacob Memmott (13 GS, 3.90 ERA, 60 IP, 49 K). Central Washington introduces their own significant threats with All-American and GNAC POTY Ben Leid (.425 BA, 9 HR), Baba Varner Jr. (.359, 16 2B), and P Jonathan Garza II (14 GS, 3.80 ERA, 71 IP, 81 K).

GNAC Season Information

The 2025 GNAC baseball season will commence with non-conference games in California beginning on January 31, providing teams an opportunity to test their strategies and roster compositions. Conference play officially begins February 28 and continues through May 2.

The GNAC Baseball Championships, scheduled for May 8-9 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, will feature the top three teams from the final regular-season standings. This tournament represents the pinnacle of the conference’s competitive season, where teams will battle for regional supremacy and potential postseason opportunities.

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