Michael Whooley Named to Prestigious Brooks Wallace Award Watch List
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Exciting news for Villanova baseball fans! Shortstop Michael Whooley has officially been selected for the 2025 Brooks Wallace Award Watch List by the College Baseball Foundation, putting him among the elite top 100 shortstops in the nation. This prestigious accolade recognizes outstanding talent at a position that has produced countless legends in college baseball.
A Stellar Season for Whooley
Whooley’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Currently, he boasts an impressive batting average of .336, complemented by six home runs, 21 RBIs, and a team-leading seven doubles. His slugging percentage of .573 and on-base percentage of .433 indicate he’s not just a good hitter; he’s a powerhouse on the field. In fact, he shares the spotlight with one other Wildcat by holding an OPS above 1.000 – a true testament to his offensive capabilities.
Hitting Highlights
The season kicked off with a bang for Whooley. Between February 23 and February 28, he homered in three consecutive games, becoming the first Villanova athlete to achieve this feat since Dan Terpak did it in 2008. This kind of performance is what turns heads and earns recognition!
Not to mention, Whooley has put together multiple impressive hitting streaks, including two stretches exceeding nine games. As he steps into a crucial matchup against Xavier on April 18, he carries an active 10-game hitting streak—a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and determined drive.
The Brooks Wallace Award: A Salute to Excellence
The Brooks Wallace Award is highly esteemed in the realm of college baseball, honoring the most exceptional shortstop in the nation. Established to commemorate former Texas Tech standout Brooks Wallace, who played for the Red Raiders between 1977 and 1980 and tragically lost his life to leukemia at the young age of 27, this award is a symbol of sportsmanship and excellence.
Since the award’s inception in 2007, Villanova has seen two of its players recognized on the Wallace Award watch list, including Pat O’Neill, who was one of only three BIG EAST players to make the list in 2023, and Derek Shunk, who was a late addition to the list in 2007 when the award recognized the top player in collegiate baseball irrespective of position.
Whooley Among Elite Company
This year, Whooley stands alongside four other exceptional BIG EAST shortstops also on the 2025 watch list: Jake Lambdin (Xavier), Ben North (Creighton), Rob Rispoli (UConn), and Blake Schaaf (Georgetown). Being part of this elite group not only signifies Whooley’s incredible talent but also emphasizes the growing strength of the BIG EAST conference in the world of college baseball.
As the season unfolds, baseball enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Whooley’s journey. His stellar performance thus far exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete: hard work, dedication, and a passion for the game. Stay tuned as we watch this talented player continue to rise!
For more on Michael Whooley and Villanova baseball, be sure to check out Villanova’s Official Athletics Site.
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