GREENSBORO, N.C. - Fort Hays State catcher Luis Ayala was named to the 2025 American Baseball Coaches Association Central Region All-Defensive Team, announced Thursday (June 19) by the ABCA.
 
This year's MIAA Gold Glove winner led the league with 17 runners caught stealing. He totaled 329 putouts behind the dish, seventh-most in the league, and added 34 assists while posting a fielding percentage of .989. The Panama City, Panama native appeared in 45 games on the year and allowed just one passed ball.
 
The Tigers have now had a player earn a spot on the regional All-Defensive Team for two consecutive seasons after Trey DeGarmo was picked for the honor at third base last season. Ayala's effort helped the Tigers reach the postseason for a second-consecutive season and win 32 games, the highest team total since 2007.
 
Ayala was one of six MIAA student-athletes listed on the regional All-Defensive Team, with the Northern Sun earning two spots and the Great American Conference garnering the final award.
 
2025 ABCA NCAA Div. II All-Defensive Team: Central Region
Position - Player - School
C - Luis Ayala - Fort Hays State
1B - Cade Cancilla - Arkansas Monticello
2B - Andrew Ramirez - Rogers State
3B - Jacob Steele - Central Missouri
SS - Rickey Sanchez - Pittsburg State
OF - Nolan Drossel - Sioux Falls
OF - Ashton Neuman - Northwest Missouri
OF - Jason Axelberg - Augustana
P - Caden Bressler - Washburn