Kansas Wesleyan Baseball Looks to Repeat Success in 2026

After having a successful 2024-25 season ending in a regional appearance, the Coyotes look to reclaim a KCAC title and a shot at the NAIA World Series once again this year. Previously the Coyotes finished 41-15 marking there third straight season of 40+ wins and had 9 players named to all conference teams. As the new school year begins, new faces join the Coyotes looking to help them continue their success. Among some of the new additions to the team are infielders Niko Olson and Issac Hawthrone. Both transfers look to make impact both offensively and defensively for the Coyotes this year. Olson previously attended the University of Santa Clara where he appeared in 11 games where he posted six hits and two doubles for the Broncos while playing third base. The redshirt sophomore has turned heads early this week in the first fall camp practices for his outstanding fielding and bat. “I came to KWU to join a winning program and have a chance at winning a ring,” Olson explained when asked why he chose KWU over other opportunities he was given. When asked about the fall and how he felt about the team Olson stated, “I think we look good, it’s very early, but the guys seem to be bonding and getting along well.” 

Issac Hawthrone, a junior from Roseville, CA who also joins the team for the first time this year looks to make an impact on both sides of the ball for the Coyotes. Transferring from West Valley College, Hawthrone appeared in 49 games where he hit three homeruns, stole 8 bases, and had 35 runs batted in. The infielder also took to the mound where he pitched for West Valley helping them push to win a conference championship and make a playoff run. Previous to West Valley, Hawthrone spent a year at Santa Clara University as well where he appeared in 11 games collecting two hits. When asked why KWU Hawthorne responded, “I believe that KWU has a winning culture and I want to be a part of that.” The recent success of the ‘Yotes has allowed them to land many transfer players from larger schools across the country. Hawthrone also stated his satisfaction with how the fall has started for the team. “Coach Neale and the team have really embraced all the new guys coming in, it can be hard moving across the country to a new place and meeting so many new people so fast. They have made the process much less stressful and enjoyable for all of the new guys.” 

Along with new faces, many returning impact players are gearing up for the 2026 season. Standout players like Carter Allan, Fernando Ruvalcaba, Shaw Lee, and Blake Dale all look to make huge contributions to a winning season as they did the previous year. The fall has only just begun for this new team, but the work is already being put in to have a great season. This season the Coyotes will be challenged by many teams in the KCAC like, Oklahoma Wesleyan, Tabor College, and Ottowa University all who had great teams and played the Coyotes close throughout the 2025 season. “Every game matters when you want to win in this conference.” Returning first basemen Ruvalcaba stated. “If we want to win the conference and make a world series, the work must starts now.”