With a combination of seasoned veterans and a returning coaching staff, WKU Baseball is gearing up for its 2025 campaign, looking to build on last season’s momentum.
In 2024 the Hilltoppers finished third in the Conference USA with a 36-22 record and a 15-9 record in conference play. Their season came to an end in the Conference USA Tournament semifinals, falling just short of a championship appearance.
Before the first pitch of the 2025 season, the Hilltoppers were ranked third in CUSA preseason polls. This is a drastic increase from the previous two years. In 2024 they were ranked fifth, and in 2023 were ranked dead last at 10th.
Along with the preseason ranking WKU had two players awarded with preseason honors. Third-year right-hand pitcher Dawson Hall and fourth-year outfielder Ethan Lizama were named to the CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team.
In 2024 Hall had a 1.69 ERA in ten appearances, with seven being starts on the mound. He ended the season with a 3-0 record and 25 strikeouts in 32.0 innings. Hall was named to the All-CUSA Second Team for the second season in a row.
Lizama had a stellar 2024 season. His 64 hits and nine home runs led WKU, and his .309 batting average and 42 RBIs are the highest of any returning player.
“Preseason just means they saw I had a good year last year and just hoping to carry it onto this year and help my teammates with whatever I can do,” Lizama said.
This year a key aspect of the team is the retention of players and staff.
Of the 42 players on the roster, 20 players were rostered in 2024. The Hilltoppers only lost two players to the transfer portal in the offseason. As for the staff, Head Coach Marc Rardin is entering his third year and the second year with the same staff.
“It starts with staff and I feel really good with who we have and obviously for a second year I’m excited about it,” Head Coach Marc Rardin said.
WKU is set to have 30 home games which could be a blessing as in 2024 they went 22-9 at home and only 12-11 away. Notable games include their CUSA opener at Kennesaw State on March 21-23, a game at the University of Louisville on April 15 and a game versus the University of Kentucky on April 29.
The Hilltoppers are set to open their season at home on Feb. 14 against Illinois State.
