WINGATE, NC – Virtually automatic in silencing opposing bats and closing out wins, University of Mary relief pitcher Cole Smith earned 2026 honorable mention All-American status from the National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) for a historic 2026 season.
 
Smith is just the third UMary baseball All-American, joining Isaac Pegors (2025 NCBWA 3^rd team, 2025 D2CCA 3^rd team) and Ryan Astle (2002 NAIA honorable mention).
 
The sophomore from Lynden, Ontario, broke the Marauders record for saves in a season, perfectly converting all nine of his opportunities. In addition to his nine saves, he posted a record of 4-1 with a 1.17 ERA and a WHIP of 1.04.
 
The hard-throwing sidewinder with incredible motion was nearly impossible to score upon. Opponents scored in only four of Smith's 18 appearances. Additionally he never gave up more than a single run in any outing. Smith gave up only three earned runs and four total in 23.0 innings of work. He struck out 19 and limited foes to 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 previously was selected to the All-Northern Sun first team, the NCBWA All-Central Region first team and the D2CCA All-Central Region second team.
 
UMary finished the season 37-18 overall to set a school record for wins and NSIC wins (27). The Marauders finished third in the regular season standings and placed third in the NSIC tournament – both program bests – and won games at the NSIC tournament for the first time. Tanner Spencer, who became the all-time leader in coaching wins during the season, was named the NSIC Coach of the Year and a program-record five Marauders earned All-NSIC recognition. Two Marauders were named to the NSIC all-tournament team, also a program first. A program-high three Marauders have claimed NCAA all-region honors for 2026.
 
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