Completed Event: Baseball versus San Diego State on March 28, 2026 , Loss , 11, to, 12
Baseball
vs San Diego State
L 11-12
Grand Canyon University Athletics
Brandon Smith was one of the additions to the squad for next season.
Baseball Builds 2012-13 Roster with 10 Additions
6/7/2012 7:01:00 PM | Baseball
The Grand Canyon University baseball squad has announced the addition of 10 players to their roster for the 2013 season, six of which hail from Arizona. Combined with those players added in the fall, the group includes seven who were recognized by The Arizona Republic as members of the All-Arizona team.
“We are excited to announce our spring additions for the 2013 season,” said head coach Andy Stankiewicz. “Along with our fall additions, the total of incoming players is now at 22. We have tried to recruit heavily in Arizona, with 18 of the recruits coming from the state of Arizona, three from California, and one from Idaho. We look forward to getting started in the fall.”
Outfielder Connor Hustead hails from Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a two-sport athlete and a member of the Black Canyon First Team All-Region squad. Hustead garnered numerous athletic awards in both football and baseball, earning All-State and All-Region honors as a running back, return specialist and outfielder.
“Connor is a terrific athlete, as he had great success on the football field as well as the baseball diamond,” said Stankiewicz. “We believe he will really develop in the game of baseball this fall when he focuses on just baseball.”
Outfielder Brian Kraft from Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho, was a three-time All-Conference Academic Team member and three-time All-Conference selection for baseball. Kraft was also a four-time selection to the Baseball Northwest All-Idaho Class of 2011 Team.
“Brian is a physical LHH/OF with plus foot speed and his arrival this fall will make our outfield situation very competitive.”
Infielder Chris Lindmark comes from Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He hit .262 with three home runs and 23 RBI in 37 games last season and was named Second Team All-Western State Conference for the second straight year.
“Chris is one of three junior college position players joining our program,” Stankiewicz said. “He has been an All-Conference performer the last two seasons and we look forward to him continuing that success at GCU.”
Infielder Austin Mill joins the team from Desert Mountain High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was selected to participate in the Arizona Division I All-Star Game. Mill earned the 2012 Desert Mountain Jim Hart Memorial Scholarship Award, which recognizes an outstanding career both on the field and off.
“Austin brings athleticism and versatility,” said Stankiewicz. “He has played both shortstop and second base in high school. He is a contact hitter who uses the whole field.”
Outfielder Shayne Miller from Westview High School in Phoenix, Ariz., hit .407 with a .728 slugging percentage, eight triples, 28 runs scored and 15 RBI. Miller was successful in 11 of his 13 stolen base attempts. He was selected to participate in the Arizona Division I All-Star Game and was an Arizona Republic Honorable Mention All-Division I selection. Miller also garnered many awards for football during his time at Westview.
“Shayne was an all-region football running back and has decided to forgo football opportunities to concentrate on baseball at GCU, so it will be exciting to watch his development.”
Outfielder Brandon Smith joins the squad from Woodbridge High School in Irvine, Calif. Smith was recently selected by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. He hit .429 with 21 stolen bases during his senior campaign, while also posting a 2.95 ERA on the mound. Smith led the league in batting average and with 21 stolen bases. He was a two-time First Team All-City selection and earned 2012 First Team All-League and the Woodbridge High Male Sportsmanship Award. Smith was also a member of the 2012 Principal’s honor roll.
“Brandon has tremendous upside,” Stankiewicz explained. “He can hit and shows plus speed on the bases. We are excited to land a player like Brandon from the talent rich area of Southern California.”
Outfielder Shane Soria hails from Forest Lake Christian in Grass Valley, Calif. He hit .446 with 22 runs scored and 16 RBI during his senior season. He was selected to participate in the 41st annual High School Baseball All-Star Game. He was a four-time CVCL All-League selection, making the first team three years. Following his sophomore season, Soria was named to the age 16-and-under United States Specialty Sports Association All-American Team.
“Shane has a passion for baseball, he understands team baseball and what it takes to win at a high level.”
Catcher Steven Swingle joins the team from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz. He was a First Team Arizona Community College Athletic Association selection and All-Region 1 Division 2 First Team honoree after hitting .338 with 26 runs scored and 35 RBI. He also led the Thunderbirds with six triples in his second season.
“Steve is the son of former ‘Lope and MLB pitcher Paul Swingle,” added Stankiewicz. “He has a tough no-nonsense approach to the game. He will add depth to our catching staff and help our pitchers develop.”
Infielder Ryan Tomita hails from Horizon High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a member of the Huskies’ 2010 Arizona state championship team.
“Ryan’s strength as a ballplayer is his attention to details inside the game,” said Stankiewicz. “He is a very good defender that will push those around him to make our program better.”
Right-handed pitcher Trent Wilson from Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Ariz., struck out 45 batters in 46.2 innings of work this past season. He was a Superior Academic Achievement award winner for the National Junior College Athletic Association and a two-time Distinguished Academic All-American award winner.
“Trent is a very athletic right-handed pitcher with a very good arm,” Stankiewicz said. “He has the ability to both start and close. He will have an immediate impact on our program.”
Each year, The Arizona Republic selects high school athletes from the around the state that had successful seasons for their respective schools and places them on All-Arizona teams, based on their Division. Joining Miller on those teams are six fall additions to the GCU roster.
"We are very proud to see so many of our incoming freshmen on the All-Arizona teams,” said Stankiewicz. “We are excited to get them in the program this fall and watch their development. These players will represent Grand Canyon University and the baseball program well!"
Outfielder/pitcher Garrett Jeffries from Gilbert Mesquite was named to the All-Arizona high school baseball team and was a First Team All-Division I selection after batting .495 with 35 RBI. He also garnered Gilbert All-District First Team honors. Jeffries was a two-time East Valley Tribune First Team selection, two-time First Team All-State outfielder and was a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Also from Mesquite on the list was infielder Seth Fretheim, who garnered Honorable Mention All-Division I. He hit .404 with 38 runs scored and 17 RBI during his senior campaign en route to also being named to the Gilbert All-District First Team, First Team All-Sectional, First Team All-State and as a Division I All-Star. Fretheim was a four-year letterwinner and garnered First Team All-Region honors in 2011. Additionally, he was named MVP for the Don Mattingly World Series Qualifier in 2011. Mesquite finished third in the Division I baseball tournament this past season.
Left-handed pitcher Jaren Drummond from Perry High School was named Honorable Mention All-Division I. Drummond was also named to the Chandler All-District Second Team as a utility player. He hit .326 this season, while collecting 30 strikeouts in nine starts. Perry was also a 2011 Honorable Mention All-Region selection and a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Infielder Paul Panaccione from Peoria Liberty garnered First Team All-Division II honors, while left-handed pitcher/outfielder Andrew Naderer from Phoenix Arcadia was named Second Team All-Division II. Panaccione was also a First Team 4A Skyline Region selection as a junior and a member of the 2010 USSSA Winter Nationals 18U Championship team. Naderer was the 2011 East Sky Region Pitcher of the Year and also a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Pitcher Houston Edwards from Scottsdale Coronado earned a First Team All-Division III nod. Edwards was a First Team All-Region selection in 2011.
The ‘Lopes are coming off a season that saw them post a 27-23 record and finish ranked No. 8 in the West Region. GCU finished third in the Pacific West Conference with a 23-17 record.
“We are excited to announce our spring additions for the 2013 season,” said head coach Andy Stankiewicz. “Along with our fall additions, the total of incoming players is now at 22. We have tried to recruit heavily in Arizona, with 18 of the recruits coming from the state of Arizona, three from California, and one from Idaho. We look forward to getting started in the fall.”
Outfielder Connor Hustead hails from Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a two-sport athlete and a member of the Black Canyon First Team All-Region squad. Hustead garnered numerous athletic awards in both football and baseball, earning All-State and All-Region honors as a running back, return specialist and outfielder.
“Connor is a terrific athlete, as he had great success on the football field as well as the baseball diamond,” said Stankiewicz. “We believe he will really develop in the game of baseball this fall when he focuses on just baseball.”
Outfielder Brian Kraft from Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho, was a three-time All-Conference Academic Team member and three-time All-Conference selection for baseball. Kraft was also a four-time selection to the Baseball Northwest All-Idaho Class of 2011 Team.
“Brian is a physical LHH/OF with plus foot speed and his arrival this fall will make our outfield situation very competitive.”
Infielder Chris Lindmark comes from Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He hit .262 with three home runs and 23 RBI in 37 games last season and was named Second Team All-Western State Conference for the second straight year.
“Chris is one of three junior college position players joining our program,” Stankiewicz said. “He has been an All-Conference performer the last two seasons and we look forward to him continuing that success at GCU.”
Infielder Austin Mill joins the team from Desert Mountain High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was selected to participate in the Arizona Division I All-Star Game. Mill earned the 2012 Desert Mountain Jim Hart Memorial Scholarship Award, which recognizes an outstanding career both on the field and off.
“Austin brings athleticism and versatility,” said Stankiewicz. “He has played both shortstop and second base in high school. He is a contact hitter who uses the whole field.”
Outfielder Shayne Miller from Westview High School in Phoenix, Ariz., hit .407 with a .728 slugging percentage, eight triples, 28 runs scored and 15 RBI. Miller was successful in 11 of his 13 stolen base attempts. He was selected to participate in the Arizona Division I All-Star Game and was an Arizona Republic Honorable Mention All-Division I selection. Miller also garnered many awards for football during his time at Westview.
“Shayne was an all-region football running back and has decided to forgo football opportunities to concentrate on baseball at GCU, so it will be exciting to watch his development.”
Outfielder Brandon Smith joins the squad from Woodbridge High School in Irvine, Calif. Smith was recently selected by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. He hit .429 with 21 stolen bases during his senior campaign, while also posting a 2.95 ERA on the mound. Smith led the league in batting average and with 21 stolen bases. He was a two-time First Team All-City selection and earned 2012 First Team All-League and the Woodbridge High Male Sportsmanship Award. Smith was also a member of the 2012 Principal’s honor roll.
“Brandon has tremendous upside,” Stankiewicz explained. “He can hit and shows plus speed on the bases. We are excited to land a player like Brandon from the talent rich area of Southern California.”
Outfielder Shane Soria hails from Forest Lake Christian in Grass Valley, Calif. He hit .446 with 22 runs scored and 16 RBI during his senior season. He was selected to participate in the 41st annual High School Baseball All-Star Game. He was a four-time CVCL All-League selection, making the first team three years. Following his sophomore season, Soria was named to the age 16-and-under United States Specialty Sports Association All-American Team.
“Shane has a passion for baseball, he understands team baseball and what it takes to win at a high level.”
Catcher Steven Swingle joins the team from Mesa Community College in Mesa, Ariz. He was a First Team Arizona Community College Athletic Association selection and All-Region 1 Division 2 First Team honoree after hitting .338 with 26 runs scored and 35 RBI. He also led the Thunderbirds with six triples in his second season.
“Steve is the son of former ‘Lope and MLB pitcher Paul Swingle,” added Stankiewicz. “He has a tough no-nonsense approach to the game. He will add depth to our catching staff and help our pitchers develop.”
Infielder Ryan Tomita hails from Horizon High School in Phoenix, Ariz. He was a member of the Huskies’ 2010 Arizona state championship team.
“Ryan’s strength as a ballplayer is his attention to details inside the game,” said Stankiewicz. “He is a very good defender that will push those around him to make our program better.”
Right-handed pitcher Trent Wilson from Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Ariz., struck out 45 batters in 46.2 innings of work this past season. He was a Superior Academic Achievement award winner for the National Junior College Athletic Association and a two-time Distinguished Academic All-American award winner.
“Trent is a very athletic right-handed pitcher with a very good arm,” Stankiewicz said. “He has the ability to both start and close. He will have an immediate impact on our program.”
Each year, The Arizona Republic selects high school athletes from the around the state that had successful seasons for their respective schools and places them on All-Arizona teams, based on their Division. Joining Miller on those teams are six fall additions to the GCU roster.
"We are very proud to see so many of our incoming freshmen on the All-Arizona teams,” said Stankiewicz. “We are excited to get them in the program this fall and watch their development. These players will represent Grand Canyon University and the baseball program well!"
Outfielder/pitcher Garrett Jeffries from Gilbert Mesquite was named to the All-Arizona high school baseball team and was a First Team All-Division I selection after batting .495 with 35 RBI. He also garnered Gilbert All-District First Team honors. Jeffries was a two-time East Valley Tribune First Team selection, two-time First Team All-State outfielder and was a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Also from Mesquite on the list was infielder Seth Fretheim, who garnered Honorable Mention All-Division I. He hit .404 with 38 runs scored and 17 RBI during his senior campaign en route to also being named to the Gilbert All-District First Team, First Team All-Sectional, First Team All-State and as a Division I All-Star. Fretheim was a four-year letterwinner and garnered First Team All-Region honors in 2011. Additionally, he was named MVP for the Don Mattingly World Series Qualifier in 2011. Mesquite finished third in the Division I baseball tournament this past season.
Left-handed pitcher Jaren Drummond from Perry High School was named Honorable Mention All-Division I. Drummond was also named to the Chandler All-District Second Team as a utility player. He hit .326 this season, while collecting 30 strikeouts in nine starts. Perry was also a 2011 Honorable Mention All-Region selection and a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Infielder Paul Panaccione from Peoria Liberty garnered First Team All-Division II honors, while left-handed pitcher/outfielder Andrew Naderer from Phoenix Arcadia was named Second Team All-Division II. Panaccione was also a First Team 4A Skyline Region selection as a junior and a member of the 2010 USSSA Winter Nationals 18U Championship team. Naderer was the 2011 East Sky Region Pitcher of the Year and also a member of the 2011 Junior Sunbelt team.
Pitcher Houston Edwards from Scottsdale Coronado earned a First Team All-Division III nod. Edwards was a First Team All-Region selection in 2011.
The ‘Lopes are coming off a season that saw them post a 27-23 record and finish ranked No. 8 in the West Region. GCU finished third in the Pacific West Conference with a 23-17 record.
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