DALLAS, Texas – The American Southwest Conference has officially announced the 2025 Baseball All-Conference Teams, with nine Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets earning recognition for their outstanding performances this season.
[Link to full ASC Release]
Luke Watkins – 1st Team All-Conference – LHP
Sophomore left-hander
Luke Watkins made 10 appearances on the mound, including five starts, and pitched 30.0 innings. He struck out 27 batters while limiting opponents to a team-best .168 batting average. Watkins recorded one win on the season and held a 3.60 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. His ability to control the game and generate outs made him a reliable option in both starting and relief roles.
Seth Bowman – 2nd Team All-Conference – 1B
Junior first baseman
Seth Bowman was a consistent offensive contributor, starting in all 40 games. He posted a .267 batting average, with 40 hits, 7 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 home runs. He led the team with 36 RBIs and produced a .453 slugging percentage, highlighting his value as a middle-of-the-order presence. This is Bowman's second career All-Conference selection.
John Garza – 3rd Team All-Conference – 2B
Junior second baseman
John Garza played in 39 games, starting 37, and led the team in on-base percentage at .465. He batted .333, totaled 42 hits, 9 doubles, and 14 RBIs. Known for his plate discipline, Garza walked 27 times while striking out just 15. This marks Garza's first All-Conference nod.
Grant Pfaff – 3rd Team All-Conference – SS
Senior shortstop
Grant Pfaff started all 40 games for HPU, batting .281 with 39 hits, 10 doubles, 3 triples, and 2 home runs. He scored a team-high 32 runs and drove in 24 RBIs, while also drawing 28 walks. Pfaff finishes his Yellow Jacket career as a two-time All-Conference selection and a reliable presence in the middle infield.
William Burford – 3rd Team All-Conference – CF
Graduate center fielder
William Burford continued to shine in his final season, leading the team with a .351 batting average and 52 hits in 148 at-bats. He recorded 15 doubles, 4 triples, and 1 home run, while driving in 24 RBIs and stealing 3 bases. Burford posted a .527 slugging percentage, the second highest on the team. This marks Burford's fourth career All-Conference selection.
Landon Prestage – 3rd Team All-Conference – DH
Senior designated hitter
Landon Prestage provided big-time power at the plate, smashing a team-high 12 home runs and driving in 34 RBIs. He hit .297 with a team-leading .609 slugging percentage and totaled 84 bases on the year. Prestage was a constant offensive threat and a key run producer for the Yellow Jackets.
Bryant Chambers – Honorable Mention – RHP
Graduate right-hander
Bryant Chambers made 11 starts on the mound, tossing a team-high 49 innings. He struck out 35 batters, ranking second on the team. Chambers posted 1 win on the season and recorded a complete game. His leadership and presence on the hill were vital for the team.
Jack Shackelford – Honorable Mention – Co-Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year - RHP
Senior
Jack Shackelford appeared in 11 games and made two starts, tossing 22.1 innings. He struck out 21 batters and walked just nine while finishing the year with a 6.45 ERA. His contributions on and off the field awarded him the prestigious superlative of ASC Co-Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year.
Canon De Serf – Honorable Mention – RHP
Senior right-hander
Canon De Serf made 9 starts, posting a 3-3 record over 37.1 innings pitched. He struck out 28 batters and held opponents to a .351 batting average. De Serf showed resilience throughout the season, helping HPU stay competitive in key conference matchups.
The Yellow Jackets' strong showing in this year's All-Conference selections highlights the team's growth, talent, and determination. Congratulations to all the players recognized!