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Grand Canyon University Athletics
Lopes ink 10-man signing class
12/3/2024 10:00:00 AM | Baseball
Diverse class spans 8 states
Coming off the program's first two NCAA tournament victories, Grand Canyon baseball continued to excel in recruiting as it announced its 10-man recruiting class. The signees will finish their high school or junior college careers this spring, join the Lopes next fall and be ready to take the field for the 2026 season.
GCU signed a diverse class spanning eight states and ranging from Arizona to Washington to Florida.
Under Lopes third-year head coach Gregg Wallis, GCU assistant coaches Nate Causey, Nathan Bannister and Paul Panaccione contributed to the recruiting efforts.
"This recruiting class is filled with exciting and dynamic players that will keep the program on an upward trajectory," Wallis said. "I want to thank Coach Causey, Bannister, and Panaccione for working hard on the road to identify and sign such a talented group of high school players and juco transfers."
The incoming Lopes include five position players: Parker Aaron, Aspen Alexander, Dillon Anderson, Jose Lopez III, Braiden Reynolds; four pitchers: Chase Frey, Jon Lewis, Andrew Lyon, Landon Sloan; and a two-way player in Tanner Johns.
THE PLAYER: Touted as an extremely athletic switch-hitting catcher with a strong arm behind the plate, Aaron hit .349 as a junior at Horizon High School in 2024. He helped lead the Hawks to the final eight teams in the state playoffs and opened the state tournament with a multi-RBI game. He also plays football as a running back and wide receiver.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Aaron enjoys fishing and is considering a major in athletic training. His favorite athlete to watch growing up was Yadier Molina. He chose GCU after he "came on campus and it felt like a home and an amazing environment."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Parker is an extremely twitchy athlete and switch hits. He first got our attention with his rocket for an arm back behind home plate. He continually showed he has one of the better arms in the country and can almost shut down the running game entirely." — Causey
THE PLAYER: Alexander has been Lake Stevens starting shortstop for his first three years of high school, earning all-area and all-league honors three times. He has a .410 batting average, .513 on-base percentage and 64 career hits thus far.
THE PERSON: Alexander is considering a finance major and enjoys snowboarding, golfing and surfing. He chose GCU for: "The culture, coaching and recent track record. Not to mention the location, beautiful campus and facility."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Aspen is extremely athletic in the field and has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He was one of the hottest hitters we saw this summer and has a very fundamentally sound offensive game." — Causey
THE PLAYER: Anderson brings a big bat from the junior college ranks to GCU. As a freshman at Fullerton College, he hit .314 and slugged .471 in 70 at bats before his season was cut short at the end of February. He was a two-year varsity starter at Chino Hills High School.
THE PERSON: Outside of baseball, Anderson enjoys lifting and is considering a major in business management. He was also considering UNLV and Oregon but chose GCU for its strong athletics program "and Christian influence." He is a Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout fan.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Dillon is a physical left-handed hitter standing at 6-5 and moves around in the outfield very well. The tools and the experience Dillon has should put him in the mix to be a middle-of-the-lineup power threat next year." — Causey
THE PLAYER: Frey spent his first collegiate season at Shoreline Community College in the Seattle area as a two-way player before transferring to College of Southern Nevada for the 2025 season. As a freshman, he made 10 starts on the mound and struck out 66 batters in 51 innings. At Sierra Vista High School, Chase was a two-time all-conference honoree and earned all-state honors once with a career 3.42 ERA.
THE PERSON: Frey is contemplating a business degree and a future career as an entrepreneur. He enjoys hiking, reading and cooking. The Las Vegas native most enjoyed watching Kris Bryant and Kam Chancellor while growing up.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Chase Frey is a 6-6 lefty from College of Southern Nevada. He throws a low-90s fastball with a swing-and-miss slider, and he continues to get better every outing. We're thrilled to have him join the program." — Bannister
THE PLAYER: Johns is set to be a four-year starter at Palo Verde High School and already has racked up three years of all-conference and all-state honors. He has a career average over .400 with 47 extra-base hits and a .637 slugging percentage. He drove in 43 runs as a junior in 2024 and helped the Panthers to a 28-11 record en route to a 5A state championship.
THE PERSON: Off the diamond, Johns enjoys ATV riding, hunting and fishing. He is contemplating a sports management major with career plans to pursue broadcasting. He chose GCU because "the coaches and the campus are amazing and I can see myself here." His younger sister, Taylor, is a Georgia softball commit.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Tanner is a physical left-handed hitter with light-tower power and elite bat speed. He has the potential offensively to leave the yard in any at bat. Tanner also brings some versatility being able to play a quality first base and has a plus arm from the outfield." — Causey
THE PLAYER: Lewis already has a decorated baseball resume as a three-year varsity starter and the Golden West League Pitcher of the Year. Over nearly 70 career innings, he has a 1.52 ERA and 96 strikeouts. He cites his top sports memory as throwing an 11-strikeout complete game in the 2024 league title game.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Lewis enjoys golfing and playing basketball. He is considering a law enforcement major for a potential career with the FBI. His older sister, Claire, runs track and cross country at Army.
SCOUTING REPORT: "JT Lewis is a 4.4 student who excels in the classroom and on the field. He is a lefty who pounds the bottom of the zone with his entire arsenal. We're excited to see his potential blossom here at GCU." — Bannister
THE PLAYER: Lopez has an impressive baseball resume in the Sunshine State with three years of varsity action under his belt. He holds a career .378 batting average and .512 on-base percentage with 20 homers and 72 RBIs. Lopez is a three-time all-county honoree and picked up all-state honors in one season. His top sports memory was hitting a walk-off home run as a junior in 2024.
THE PERSON: Lopez is contemplating a degree in business management and enjoys golfing and fishing. The Miami native is a fan of the Marlins but most enjoyed watching Nolan Arenado growing up. His cousin, Nelson Alvarez, was a 2019 draft pick out of South Florida and remains in the Philadelphia Phillies system.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Jose is a physical right-handed bat with the ability to hit for power to all fields. He moves well in the infield and has a plus arm behind the plate as a catcher. Jose is a guy who could provide big-time slugging numbers early on in his career at GCU." — Causey
THE PLAYER: Lyon will be a four-year varsity starter at Snow Canyon High School, where he helped the Warriors compile a 27-5 season and win a state championship in 2024. He threw six innings of two-run baseball in the state title game and was named the 4A playoffs' Most Valuable Player. The postseason run is part of a prep career that features a 2.61 ERA and 61 strikeouts.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Lyon enjoys playing basketball, playing golf and lifting. He is contemplating a major in business or finance. His older brother, Isaac, is a junior pitcher for the Lopes, while his father, Brandon, played 12 MLB seasons and pitched over 680 career innings for the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Astros and Mets. Lyon chose GCU because he "loved the coaches and a great baseball program."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Andrew Lyon throws a three-pitch mix that is advanced for his age. He has the ability to beat you with all three pitches in any count, but what separates 'Roo' is his ability to pitch fearless. We're looking forward to seeing him grow as a Lope." — Bannister
THE PLAYER: Reynolds took home the prestigious honor of New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year as the top baseball player in the state. A two-way player for La Cueva High School, Reynolds helped lead the Bears to a 27-3 record and a 5A state championship in 2024. On the bump, he was 10-1 with a 2.17 ERA and 61 strikeouts to 18 walks. In the batter's box, he hit .551 with nine home runs and 69 RBI, which is believed to be a single-season state record. Coupled with a 1.665 OPS, he racked up numerous city, state and national awards, including All-America honors from MaxPreps, Perfect Game and Rawlings.
THE PERSON: A National Honor Society member, Reynolds is contemplating a degree in business administration at GCU. He enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting. He chose GCU for "their top-notch baseball program, the quality of education I can receive, but most importantly because the coaches and the community made me feel wanted and appreciated."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Braiden won the state Gatorade Player of the Year honors for New Mexico this past year. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills that combine well with his ability to slug to all parts of the field. Defensively, Braiden moves very well on the left side of the infield and is one of the more sure-handed defenders we saw this past year. " — Causey
THE PLAYER: Representing Arizona in the signing class, Sloan is an all-state catcher and a three-year varsity starter at Estrella Foothills. He hit .467 as a junior but is slated to focus on pitching at GCU. His favorite personal sports memory was striking out the side in a Diamondbacks scout league game in the fall of 2024 while also hitting 95 miles per hour in that outing.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Sloan enjoys golfing, playing guitar and working out. He is contemplating an accounting major at GCU. Sloan chose GCU because "it is the best coaching staff out there. I have full trust in them, and I love the culture in the program. It was my dream school since I was 12." His older brother, Garrett, played baseball at New Mexico State in 2024 before transferring to Bowling Green for the upcoming season.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Landon Sloan is just scratching the surface as a pitcher. He throws an overpowering fastball but don't sleep on his breaking balls as well. We're fired up to have Landon on our staff next season." — Bannister
GCU signed a diverse class spanning eight states and ranging from Arizona to Washington to Florida.
Under Lopes third-year head coach Gregg Wallis, GCU assistant coaches Nate Causey, Nathan Bannister and Paul Panaccione contributed to the recruiting efforts.
"This recruiting class is filled with exciting and dynamic players that will keep the program on an upward trajectory," Wallis said. "I want to thank Coach Causey, Bannister, and Panaccione for working hard on the road to identify and sign such a talented group of high school players and juco transfers."
The incoming Lopes include five position players: Parker Aaron, Aspen Alexander, Dillon Anderson, Jose Lopez III, Braiden Reynolds; four pitchers: Chase Frey, Jon Lewis, Andrew Lyon, Landon Sloan; and a two-way player in Tanner Johns.
MEET THE 2024 CLASS |
PARKER AARON
Catcher - Thornton, Colo. - Horizon HS
Let's go, @Parker04862047! ✍️ #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/WIXmFbzNQY
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Touted as an extremely athletic switch-hitting catcher with a strong arm behind the plate, Aaron hit .349 as a junior at Horizon High School in 2024. He helped lead the Hawks to the final eight teams in the state playoffs and opened the state tournament with a multi-RBI game. He also plays football as a running back and wide receiver.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Aaron enjoys fishing and is considering a major in athletic training. His favorite athlete to watch growing up was Yadier Molina. He chose GCU after he "came on campus and it felt like a home and an amazing environment."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Parker is an extremely twitchy athlete and switch hits. He first got our attention with his rocket for an arm back behind home plate. He continually showed he has one of the better arms in the country and can almost shut down the running game entirely." — Causey
ASPEN ALEXANDER
Infielder - Lake Stevens, Wash. - Lake Stevens HS
It's official! Welcome to GCU, @AspenAlexander5. #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/F73VEyvu7K
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 18, 2024
THE PLAYER: Alexander has been Lake Stevens starting shortstop for his first three years of high school, earning all-area and all-league honors three times. He has a .410 batting average, .513 on-base percentage and 64 career hits thus far.
THE PERSON: Alexander is considering a finance major and enjoys snowboarding, golfing and surfing. He chose GCU for: "The culture, coaching and recent track record. Not to mention the location, beautiful campus and facility."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Aspen is extremely athletic in the field and has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He was one of the hottest hitters we saw this summer and has a very fundamentally sound offensive game." — Causey
DILLON ANDERSON
Outfielder - Chino Hills, Calif. - Fullerton College
𝕊𝕀𝔾ℕ𝔼𝔻. Welcome to GCU, @_DillonAnderson! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/UU55WfBhBl
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 20, 2024
THE PLAYER: Anderson brings a big bat from the junior college ranks to GCU. As a freshman at Fullerton College, he hit .314 and slugged .471 in 70 at bats before his season was cut short at the end of February. He was a two-year varsity starter at Chino Hills High School.
THE PERSON: Outside of baseball, Anderson enjoys lifting and is considering a major in business management. He was also considering UNLV and Oregon but chose GCU for its strong athletics program "and Christian influence." He is a Los Angeles Angels and Mike Trout fan.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Dillon is a physical left-handed hitter standing at 6-5 and moves around in the outfield very well. The tools and the experience Dillon has should put him in the mix to be a middle-of-the-lineup power threat next year." — Causey
CHASE FREY
Left-handed pitcher - Las Vegas, Nev. - College of Southern Nevada
.@ffreychase is officially a Lope! ✍️ #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/E681NWjjHW
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 19, 2024
THE PLAYER: Frey spent his first collegiate season at Shoreline Community College in the Seattle area as a two-way player before transferring to College of Southern Nevada for the 2025 season. As a freshman, he made 10 starts on the mound and struck out 66 batters in 51 innings. At Sierra Vista High School, Chase was a two-time all-conference honoree and earned all-state honors once with a career 3.42 ERA.
THE PERSON: Frey is contemplating a business degree and a future career as an entrepreneur. He enjoys hiking, reading and cooking. The Las Vegas native most enjoyed watching Kris Bryant and Kam Chancellor while growing up.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Chase Frey is a 6-6 lefty from College of Southern Nevada. He throws a low-90s fastball with a swing-and-miss slider, and he continues to get better every outing. We're thrilled to have him join the program." — Bannister
TANNER JOHNS
Utility/left-handed pitcher - Las Vegas, Nev. - Palo Verde HS
.@tannerjohns2025 is officially a Lope! 👏 #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/DpALPI8lGt
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Johns is set to be a four-year starter at Palo Verde High School and already has racked up three years of all-conference and all-state honors. He has a career average over .400 with 47 extra-base hits and a .637 slugging percentage. He drove in 43 runs as a junior in 2024 and helped the Panthers to a 28-11 record en route to a 5A state championship.
THE PERSON: Off the diamond, Johns enjoys ATV riding, hunting and fishing. He is contemplating a sports management major with career plans to pursue broadcasting. He chose GCU because "the coaches and the campus are amazing and I can see myself here." His younger sister, Taylor, is a Georgia softball commit.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Tanner is a physical left-handed hitter with light-tower power and elite bat speed. He has the potential offensively to leave the yard in any at bat. Tanner also brings some versatility being able to play a quality first base and has a plus arm from the outfield." — Causey
JT LEWIS
Left-handed pitcher - Huntington Beach, Calif. - Ocean View HS
Welcome to GCU, @JTLewis2025! ✍️ #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/dkuUJp1VWU
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Lewis already has a decorated baseball resume as a three-year varsity starter and the Golden West League Pitcher of the Year. Over nearly 70 career innings, he has a 1.52 ERA and 96 strikeouts. He cites his top sports memory as throwing an 11-strikeout complete game in the 2024 league title game.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Lewis enjoys golfing and playing basketball. He is considering a law enforcement major for a potential career with the FBI. His older sister, Claire, runs track and cross country at Army.
SCOUTING REPORT: "JT Lewis is a 4.4 student who excels in the classroom and on the field. He is a lefty who pounds the bottom of the zone with his entire arsenal. We're excited to see his potential blossom here at GCU." — Bannister
JOSE LOPEZ III
Third baseman / catcher - Miami, Fla. - Westminster Christian School
Officially official. Welcome to GCU, @JoseELopezIII! 👋 pic.twitter.com/TS6M5wAYqe
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Lopez has an impressive baseball resume in the Sunshine State with three years of varsity action under his belt. He holds a career .378 batting average and .512 on-base percentage with 20 homers and 72 RBIs. Lopez is a three-time all-county honoree and picked up all-state honors in one season. His top sports memory was hitting a walk-off home run as a junior in 2024.
THE PERSON: Lopez is contemplating a degree in business management and enjoys golfing and fishing. The Miami native is a fan of the Marlins but most enjoyed watching Nolan Arenado growing up. His cousin, Nelson Alvarez, was a 2019 draft pick out of South Florida and remains in the Philadelphia Phillies system.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Jose is a physical right-handed bat with the ability to hit for power to all fields. He moves well in the infield and has a plus arm behind the plate as a catcher. Jose is a guy who could provide big-time slugging numbers early on in his career at GCU." — Causey
ANDREW LYON
Right-handed pitcher - Santa Clara, Utah - Snow Canyon HS
.@Andrew_Lyon_ = SIGNED. ✍️ #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/JH0gnQ5Bpt
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Lyon will be a four-year varsity starter at Snow Canyon High School, where he helped the Warriors compile a 27-5 season and win a state championship in 2024. He threw six innings of two-run baseball in the state title game and was named the 4A playoffs' Most Valuable Player. The postseason run is part of a prep career that features a 2.61 ERA and 61 strikeouts.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Lyon enjoys playing basketball, playing golf and lifting. He is contemplating a major in business or finance. His older brother, Isaac, is a junior pitcher for the Lopes, while his father, Brandon, played 12 MLB seasons and pitched over 680 career innings for the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Astros and Mets. Lyon chose GCU because he "loved the coaches and a great baseball program."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Andrew Lyon throws a three-pitch mix that is advanced for his age. He has the ability to beat you with all three pitches in any count, but what separates 'Roo' is his ability to pitch fearless. We're looking forward to seeing him grow as a Lope." — Bannister
BRAIDEN REYNOLDS
Infielder - Albuquerque, N.M. - La Cueva HS
New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year is headed to GCU. Welcome, @BraidenReynold8! pic.twitter.com/GUojCQ5MOc
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Reynolds took home the prestigious honor of New Mexico's Gatorade Player of the Year as the top baseball player in the state. A two-way player for La Cueva High School, Reynolds helped lead the Bears to a 27-3 record and a 5A state championship in 2024. On the bump, he was 10-1 with a 2.17 ERA and 61 strikeouts to 18 walks. In the batter's box, he hit .551 with nine home runs and 69 RBI, which is believed to be a single-season state record. Coupled with a 1.665 OPS, he racked up numerous city, state and national awards, including All-America honors from MaxPreps, Perfect Game and Rawlings.
THE PERSON: A National Honor Society member, Reynolds is contemplating a degree in business administration at GCU. He enjoys golfing, fishing and hunting. He chose GCU for "their top-notch baseball program, the quality of education I can receive, but most importantly because the coaches and the community made me feel wanted and appreciated."
SCOUTING REPORT: "Braiden won the state Gatorade Player of the Year honors for New Mexico this past year. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills that combine well with his ability to slug to all parts of the field. Defensively, Braiden moves very well on the left side of the infield and is one of the more sure-handed defenders we saw this past year. " — Causey
LANDON SLOAN
Right-handed pitcher - Goodyear, Ariz. - Estrella Foothills HS
.@_Landon_Sloan is officially a Lope! ✍️ #LopesUp pic.twitter.com/j6DRmX1tS9
— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) November 14, 2024
THE PLAYER: Representing Arizona in the signing class, Sloan is an all-state catcher and a three-year varsity starter at Estrella Foothills. He hit .467 as a junior but is slated to focus on pitching at GCU. His favorite personal sports memory was striking out the side in a Diamondbacks scout league game in the fall of 2024 while also hitting 95 miles per hour in that outing.
THE PERSON: Off the field, Sloan enjoys golfing, playing guitar and working out. He is contemplating an accounting major at GCU. Sloan chose GCU because "it is the best coaching staff out there. I have full trust in them, and I love the culture in the program. It was my dream school since I was 12." His older brother, Garrett, played baseball at New Mexico State in 2024 before transferring to Bowling Green for the upcoming season.
SCOUTING REPORT: "Landon Sloan is just scratching the surface as a pitcher. He throws an overpowering fastball but don't sleep on his breaking balls as well. We're fired up to have Landon on our staff next season." — Bannister
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