RUSSELLVILLE, AR – In his first season as a closer, University of Mary sophomore Cole Smith quickly gained notoriety across the Midwest as the righthanded dominated opposing hitters for a Marauders club setting program records for wins. For his efforts, Smith was named to the 2026 National College Baseball Writers of America (NCBWA) NCAA Division II All-Central Region first team as a relief pitcher.
 
Smith, who converted all nine of his save opportunities to set a single season school record, was previously named to the All-Northern Sun first team. He posted a record of 4-1 with a 1.17 ERA and a WHIP of 1.04.
 
The Lynden, Ontario, native proved incredibly stingy. Across his 18 appearances, opponents scored in just four games and never scored more than once. Smith gave up four runs (three earned) total on the season over 23.0 innings. He struck out 19 and allowed just 15 hits and nine walks. Opponents hit a minuscule .185 with a .272 slugging percentage. Not once did Smith serve up a home run.
 
Smith becomes the fifth UMary player to earn NCBWA all-region honors, joining Isaac Pegors (1^st team outfield 2025), Mark Schommer (2^nd team relief pitcher 2024), Cal James (2023 honorable mention third base) and Jonathan Draheim (2023 honorable mention starting pitcher).
 
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