Ten Warriors named NCCAA Scholar-Athletes

The NCCAA has announced its 2026 baseball Scholar-Athlete Award recipients, and the Nelson Warriors were all over the list with a program-record ten student-athletes earning the prestigious honor.

 

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum 3.40 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) and be classified as a junior, senior, or graduate student.

 

The following Warriors were recognized for their excellence in the classroom while competing at a high level on the field:

• Esteban Acevedo
• Elijiah Arsenault
• Justin Burns
• Shae Doree
• Josue Franco Jr.
• Ethan Gustafson
• Carson Padilla
• Colton Ratfield
• Matthew Schulz
• Nathan Simmons

These ten young men represent the very best of what it means to be a Nelson Warrior: balancing demanding athletic schedules with strong academic performance. Their selection highlights the culture of excellence Coach Josh Milner and the entire program have built both on the diamond and in the classroom over these past two seasons.

 

Congratulations to all ten Warriors on this well-deserved honor! Your hard work, discipline, and commitment have set a powerful example for the program and the entire conference.

 

These men, like the entire athletic department, are built on belief, powered by purpose.