LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Four members of the University of West Alabama baseball program were recognized for their achievements both on the field and in the classroom as Austin Thacker, Hudson Walburn, Kyle Blevins, and Colin Woodham were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team for the South Region.
The CSC Academic All-District Team recognizes student-athletes who have excelled academically while also making significant contributions to their respective programs during the 2026 season.
Leading the group was senior infielder Austin Thacker, who put together a strong campaign both offensively and defensively for the Tigers. Thacker started 38 games and hit .307 with 42 hits, 24 runs scored, 14 RBIs, and six stolen bases. He posted a .373 on-base percentage while recording 13 multi-hit performances throughout the season. Defensively, Thacker compiled a .958 fielding percentage with 57 putouts and 79 assists while helping turn 16 double plays. The senior finished his career with a .285 batting average across 65 games played. In the classroom, Thacker is pursuing his MBA and holds a 3.91 GPA.
Junior outfielder Hudson Walburn emerged as one of UWA's top offensive threats during the season. Walburn appeared in 51 games and batted .286 with 57 hits, 37 runs scored, 46 RBIs, 10 doubles, one triple, and seven home runs. His power production ranked among the team's best, highlighted by a six-RBI performance against William Carey and a two-home run outing against West Florida. Walburn also posted a .962 fielding percentage in the outfield while contributing five stolen bases. In the classroom, Walburn is a Business Administration major and has accumulated a 3.57 GPA.
Redshirt junior infielder Kyle Blevins provided consistency in the middle of the Tigers' lineup and defense throughout the year. Blevins started all 46 games he appeared in and finished the season batting .261 with 37 hits, 32 runs scored, 28 RBIs, seven doubles, three triples, and two home runs. He demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing 34 walks for a .413 on-base percentage while adding nine stolen bases. Defensively, Blevins recorded a .957 fielding percentage with 122 assists and 57 putouts, helping turn 16 double plays. As a Sport Management major, Belvins has earned a 3.59 GPA and walked the graduation stage this past May.
On the mound, junior pitcher Colin Woodham was one of West Alabama's most dependable starters. Woodham finished the season with a 6-3 record and a 3.11 ERA across 72.1 innings pitched. He struck out 53 batters while limiting opponents to 25 earned runs during the year. Woodham delivered several standout performances, including a seven-inning victory over Trevecca Nazarene in the NCAA South Regional and a seven-strikeout outing at Union. His efforts helped anchor the Tigers' pitching staff throughout the season. Majoring in Finance, Woodham holds a perfect 4.00 GPA.
The quartet played key roles in helping West Alabama advance to postseason play while maintaining excellence in the classroom. By earning CSC Academic All-District honors, Thacker, Woodham, Walburn, and Blevins continue the tradition of success that defines the UWA baseball program both academically and athletically.
The CSC Academic All-District Team is selected by College Sports Communicators and recognizes student-athletes who meet high standards of academic and athletic achievement at their respective institutions.
