GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Baseball sophomore Darion Rogers was the Pirates recipient of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District award for his excellance both in the classroom and on the mound. 

The eligible award winners must be a sophomore or above student-athlete with at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Student-athletes must compete in 90 percent of the institution's games played or must start in at least 66 percent of the institution's games. For pitchers, a student-athlete must have made at least 17 appearances or pitched 35 innings. 

Academically, Rogers went above and beyond this season as a student-athlete. Following his freshman season of only two innings pitched, Rogers emerged as the Pirates Friday night starter this season generally being tasked with giving the Pirates innings to start the series. After two outings out of the pen to start the season, Rogers was promoted to a started role and never looked back. Darion gave the Pirates at least five innings of length in seven of his nine starts. 

He finished with a 6.71 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 56.1 innings of work. The sophomores season highlights included eight innings pitched against Muhlenberg College and Millsaps College, along with a seven inning complete game (run-rule) performance, surrendering one earned run against Oglethorpe University who had a high-powered offense the rest of the SAA slate. 

Rogers gained pivotal experience and confidence in his role which will prove massive dividends for the Pirates going forward who return multiple pitchers in 2027 who were injured all season.