FRISCO, Texas – Nicholls State University senior Ethan Valdez was listed on the 2019 Preseason All-Southland Conference First Team as it was announced in a release by the organization Tuesday afternoon Valdez is the first Colonel to receive Preseason All-Conference First Team honors since Kyle Reese and Justin Sinbaldi in 2016.
“Ethan Valdez is very deserving of first team honors,” Nicholls head coach Seth Thibodeaux said. “He has worked extremely hard and has been very loyal to this program. He is our team captain and will wear No. 11 this year. I’m happy for him.”
Valdez, a San Antonio, Texas, native, was named a 2018 Preseason All-Second Team second baseman last season. He also garnered 2018 All-SLC Tournament honors after he hit .400 (6-15) while lifting the squad to its first semifinal appearance since 2011. The 5-10 righty led the Southland with 56 runs scored last season.
This will be Valdez’s first season at shortstop, taking the helm from last year’s No. 11 Joey Morales. Known for his adept range and athleticism, Valdez was also a member of the 2018 SLC All-Defensive Team, boasting a .987 fielding percentage during league play.
The preseason all-conference teams are voted upon by the league’s head coaches. Returning players from the 2018 All-Conference First and Second teams are automatically named to the 2019 Preseason All-Conference teams at their respective positions. Second- and third-team players are elevated if the slot is vacated by a non-returning player at the same position.
Article courtesy Nicholls State Sports Information Department.
