WACO, TEXAS (NCBWA) – A nine-member finalist group has been announced for the second annual Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, honoring NCAA baseball student-athletes who exemplify the Gwynn legacy. The Gwynn Trophy winner will be selected from these finalists, in a vote by NCBWA board members, select college baseball coaches and national media members.
The Gwynn Trophy, conceptualized for the 2025 season, is intended to honor collegiate baseball student-athletes who are active in their community and represent their programs with integrity, while exceling in the classroom and on the field.
Nominees were solicited this spring through college baseball publicists and the NCBWA membership.
The finalists include a decorated list of elite student-athletes, including the winner of the award in 2025, LSU outfielder Chris Stanfield. The nine finalists represent six different conferences, including the ACC, Big 12, SEC, CUSA and the MAC. Included in the finalist list are Stanfield, Louisiana infielder Lee Amedee, Pitt outfielder Lorenzo Carrier, Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance, BYU reliever Ashton Johnson, Arkansas infielder Camden Kozeal, DBU infielder Chayton Krauss, Louisville outfielder Zion Rose and Toledo outfielder Troy Sudbrook.
Gwynn was nationally recognized throughout his life for his unyielding commitment to philanthropy. He and his wife, Alicia, established the Tony Gwynn Foundation to help fund charities supporting children in need, including supporting the Casa de Amparo Child Abuse Shelter, the Neighborhood House, YMCA and the Police Athletic League. In 1995, Tony earned the Branch Rickey Award as the top community activist in MLB and in 1999 he was named the Roberto Clemente Man of the year. He was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented to the MLB player who best exemplified the character and leadership of the Hall of Fame first baseman.
The Gwynn family has maintained Tony’s commitment to the community, including coordinating the Tony Gwynn Community All-Star Program, which recognizes local youth who support the San Diego community.
Gwynn was a 15-time MLB All-Star, won eight batting titles – the most in National League history – and finished his decorated 20-year career with a .338 batting average. He played his entire career with the San Diego Padres, after playing collegiately at San Diego State, where he also played basketball. A 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, Gwynn saw the SDSU baseball facility named in his honor, Tony Gwynn Stadium, and served as the head coach of the Aztecs, from 2003-14, winning three Mountain West Conference Championships and earning 2014 MWC Coach of the Year honors. The Tony Gwynn Legacy Tournament, held each February at Gwynn Stadium and featuring some of the top teams in the nation, has quickly become one of the best nonconference, early-season tournaments in the college baseball calendar.
Gwynn passed away in 2014 after a long bout with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Alicia, son Tony Jr., and daughter, Anisha Nicole. His brother Chris attended SDSU and played for the Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Kansas City Royals. Tony Jr. also played collegiately at SDSU, earning all-league honors in 2003 before the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the second round. He played eight seasons in MLB, including time with the Brewers, Padres, Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association's official Web site, www.ncbwa.com.
Gwynn Trophy Starting 9
Lee Amedee, Louisiana, 1B/3B, Sr., Gonzales, La.
Lorenzo Carrier, Pitt, OF, r-Sr., Bear, Del.
Bryce Chance, Mississippi State, OF, Grad., Ridgeland, Miss.
Ashton Johnson, BYU, LHP, Sr., Holladay, Utah
Camden Kozeal, Arkansas, INF, Jr., Omaha, Neb.
Chayton Krauss, DBU, INF, Fifth Year, Coppell, Texas
Zion Rose, Louisville, OF, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Chris Stanfield, LSU, OF, Sr., Tallahassee, Fla.
Troy Sudbrook, Toledo, INF, r-Jr., Avon, Ohio
Gwynn Trophy Starting 9 Biographies
Lee Amedee, Louisiana, 1B/3B, Sr., Gonzales, La.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Owns a 3.11 GPA as a business management major … A two-time member of the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll … Has played in 182 games with 150 starts in his career … Has a .288 batting average (158-for-548) with 91 runs, 40 doubles, five triples, nine homers, 107 RBI and 15 stolen bases … In 2026, has played in 49 games with 48 starts, batting .313 with 36 runs, 12 doubles, three triples, three homers and 36 RBI, stealing six bags … Named to the 2024 NCAA College Station Regional All-Tournament Team.
Community Engagement: Has worked more than 1,000 volunteer hours in his community … Volunteer for four straight years as a coach at the Lafayette Little League … Works at Wisdom Catholic Church and Bayou Church as a volunteer on the clean-up crew … Has visited cancer patients at Lourdes Children’s Hospital for four years, including snack delivery for Halloween … Volunteers to clean up at the local fire station and wash fire trucks … Attends the Tony Robichaux Prayer Breakfast to raise money for Wisdom Catholic Church construction … Volunteered to set up for the Broussard Community fair for the St. Cecilia Catholic School … Spent time with first graders at St. Cecilia … Volunteered for four years at the Lafayette Downtown Alive event … Has helped new students move in on campus move-in day for four years … Volunteered to help work a baseball clinic at the Youngsville Sports Complex … Volunteered with a special needs clinic and games at the Youngsville Sports Complex … Participated in a 5K fundraiser to help with awareness for the rare Usher Syndrome … Worked as a volunteer at the UL Dinosaur Museum, helping move exhibits … Volunteered to set up for Christmas décor at the Hospice of Acadiana … Has pressure washed the baseball stadium for four years as part of a stadium clean-up volunteer project … Volunteered to help put on a clinic for less fortunate kids in a community of Church Point … Is a fixture at youth soccer, softball and baseball games in the region for the last two years.
What They’re Saying: “Lee Amedee is currently in his fourth season at The University of Louisiana. It is extremely rare to find a young man in college that is at the same school that he started at four years prior. He has been extremely loyal and committed to the University, the baseball program and the city of Lafayette. Lee is currently serving as the team captain as a senior and has completed over 1,000 hours of community service in his time at UL. Lee is more than deserving of this amazing honor. To show what he stands for, last summer (’25), Lee turned down a six-figure opportunity with the St Louis Cardinals in the 11th round to return to his dream school. He did this while sitting in the bleachers at the Louisiana State 10/11-Year Old Softball Championship with his teammates cheering on the local team and one of his coaches’ daughters. Lee has one niece, Milly, who is suffering from a rare cancer at the age of two. She has moved to St. Jude’s in Memphis, Tennessee, to start chemo and treatment. It has really worn on him, but he plays for her. Lee has volunteered for multiple service opportunities throughout his career but maybe the most impressive is his time spent at Wisdom Catholic Church on campus at UL. He has played in two regionals, been named to the College Station All-Tournament team, and been an All-SBC Selection. Lee was the starting 3B for the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Championship Team that made it the Championship game of the College Station Regional. He also played in the 2023 Miami Regional. Lee returns this season as the leader in doubles from the 2025 season as a junior. He will graduate this spring from UL with a degree in business management.”
– Matt Sullivan, Louisiana Director of Athletics Communication
Lorenzo Carrier, Pitt, OF, r-Sr., Bear, Del.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Owns a 3.117 cumulative GPA majoring in sociology … A member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, and has also been named Academic All-ACC and to the ACC Academic Honor Roll … Joined the program after two years at Miami (Fla.), after being named the Delaware Gatorade Player of the Year twice in high school … In 2026, has been named Golden Spikes/D1Baseball National Player of the Week (Week 4), NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy National Co-Hitter of the Week (Week 4), Perfect Game National Player of the Week (Week 4), ACC Player of the Week (Week 4) and Baseball America Week 4 National Team of the Week … Drove in 38 runs over 80 games, with nine home runs during the 2023-24 seasons at Miami … Has hit .332 (89-for-268) over 78 games and 77 starts in two years at Pitt, with 16 doubles, two triples, 24 homers and 92 RBI … As a redshirt senior in 2026, has cranked 18 homers with 61 RBI and a .378 average, owning 11 doubles, two triples and a .540 on-base percentage.
Community Engagement: Extremely active in the community, including volunteer engagement with Urban Impact Baseball Clinics, a clinic for at-risk children/youth on the North side of Pittsburgh … Is involved in the Miracle League, including serving as a buddy during games and an involvement in a clinic … Has helped organize and donate to the Pitt Pantry Thanksgiving Food Drives … Wrapped and donated gifts for children in the Pittsburgh community during Christmas … Helped set up and clean all equipment used in Team Foster’s 24-hour “Ruff Ride” Spin Relay, that raised money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled veterans … Helped run a baseball clinic for BaseABLE Special Olympics Foundation, providing and encouraging an inclusive environment for individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
What They’re Saying: “A large person with a large heart. Lorenzo, who stands at six-foot-five, was very involved in all of his community service initiatives and events in his two years with the program. A leader on and off the field. Led Pitt’s baseball program as they recorded a program-record 495 community service hours during the 2024-25 academic year. With Lorenzo leading the charge, the Pitt Baseball program ranked sixth in all of Division-I Baseball for community service in 2025 (per Helper Helper).
– Dominic Pasquale, Pitt Assistant Director of Communications
Bryce Chance, Mississippi State, OF, Graduate Student, Ridgeland, Miss.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Sports a 3.88 cumulative GPA while working on his master’s in business administration … Three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, a two-time Dean’s Scholar honoree and a two-time President’s Scholar selection … Earned his undergraduate degree with a 3.55 GPA … Has played in 204 career games with 188 starts in his four-year career, hitting .325 (222-for-684) with 150 runs, 46 doubles, two triples, 13 homers, 127 RBI and 35 stolen bases … In the midst of a career season, hitting .365 with 17 doubles, one homer, 26 RBI, a .458 on-base percentage and 12 steals … Batted .332 with 14 doubles, four homers and 43 RBI in 2025 … Named to the All-Regional team in 2025 and was tabbed as one of the top seniors and outfielders in the preseason by Perfect Game and D1baseball.
Community Engagement: Is active with the Miracle and Challenger Baseball Leagues in the Golden Triangle for the last four years … The leagues provide avenues for children and adults with special needs an opportunity to play baseball … It is a cause that is directly impactful, as Chance’s brother, Brooks, is autistic and is an active participant on the campus that Chance volunteers with … A former walk-on who redshirted in 2022, Chance is the only player on the MSU roster in 2026 that was on the roster prior to 2025 … Chance and his wife, Abby, have a dog, Macey Moo.
Ashton Johnson, BYU, LHP, Sr., Holladay, Utah
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: A neuroscience major with a 3.85 cumulative GPA … A selection to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team in 2025 … Earned the 2025 Big 12 Gerald Lage Award for athletic and academic excellence … A two-time NJCAA Academic All-American at Southern Idaho before joining the BYU program … A two-year weapon for BYU in the bullpen, appearing in 42 games in relief with seven saves … Is 6-5 in his career with a 3.66 ERA in 86 innings, allowing only 24 walks and striking out 69 … In 2026, has a 4.19 ERA in 18 games with a win and five saves, fanning 40 and walking just 15 in 45 innings … In 2025, went 5-1 with two saves in 43 innings with a 3.14 ERA in 24 outings … Led BYU in ERA, wins, appearances and batting average against (.244) as a junior).
Community Engagement: Leads BYU in community service impact … Is a two-year member of the SAAC … Was the male student-athlete representative at the Big 12 Career Tour in Dallas in 2025 … Volunteers for the KIND Fund, buying school clothes for children in need the last two years … Sponsored families to provide Christmas in 2025 … Volunteers with Mac’s Gift Children’s Cancer Foundation, making sure families dealing with childhood cancer have Christmas presents … Volunteered for Sports Hero Day, a youth day for sixth graders, teaching baseball skills the last two years … Coordinated with SAAC to partner with Sole Hope to make shoes to send to Uganda.
What They’re Saying: “Ashton embodies what BYU baseball is all about on the field, in the classroom and in volunteer service. Ashton has been the baseball program’s representative on the BYU SAAC Committee for the past two years. Through SAAC and other avenues, he has been actively involved in a wide variety of service, including several projects to help families in need locally and internationally. Ashton is also a model student-athlete with a 3.85 cumulative GPA in neuroscience and plans to attend medical school. In 2025, he received the Big 12 Gerald Lage Award for athletic and academic excellence and was named CSC Academic All-District. Ashton represents all that is great about collegiate athletics.”
– Trent Pratt, BYU Head Baseball Coach
Camden Kozeal, Arkansas, INF, Jr., Omaha, Neb.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Displays a 3.065 cumulative GPA as a communication major at Arkansas … Has played in 151 career games, including 43 at Vanderbilt in 2024 and the last two years at Arkansas … Has hit .308 (176-for-571) with 117 runs scored, 42 doubles, one triple, 34 homers and 143 RBI … In 2026, has started all 48 games with a .297 average, chipping in 16 doubles, one triple, 14 homers and 53 RBI … Was a first-team NCBWA Preseason All-American in 2026, a year after earning second-team All-SEC honors at first base … In 2025, helped lead the Razorbacks to the College World Series and hit .333 with 18 doubles, 15 homers and 62 RBI.
Community Engagement: Kozeal has dedicated time and NIL resources through his partnership with Two Rivers Fly Shop to watershed conservation in Northwest Arkansas, including the “Lake Norm” watershed located beyond the outfield wall in right center field at Baum-Walker Stadium … An avid outdoorsman and skilled fisherman, Kozeal cares deeply about supporting wildlife, improving watershed health and making a lasting impact on the environment …
What They’re Saying: “A tremendously talented player on the diamond, Kozeal is an even better representative of the Arkansas baseball program off the field. His commitment to community service comes from his genuine love for wildlife and his desire to make a lasting impact anywhere he goes. Through his partnership with Two Rivers Fly Shop, Kozeal, an avid outdoorsman and skilled fisherman with a larger-than-life personality, has used his platform and resources as a Razorback student-athlete to support environmental efforts across Northwest Arkansas, including conservation of the “Lake Norm” watershed located beyond the outfield wall in right center field at Baum-Walker Stadium.”
– Oliver Grigg, Arkansas Associate Communications Director
Chayton Krauss, DBU, INF, Fifth Year, Coppell, Texas
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Owns a 3.52 cumulative GPA as a kinesiology major … A three-time Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection … Also named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medal listing … Named NJCAA Academic All-Conference in 2023 while at Grayson College … Has played three years at DBU, logging 164 starts, while hitting .329 (219-for-665) with 145 runs, 45 doubles, one triple, 44 homers and 187 RBI, stealing 17 bases … Has cranked at least 13 homers in each of his seasons … In 2026, has hit .298 (61-for-205) with 11 doubles, 16 homers and 57 RBI … Last year, hit .332 with 19 doubles, 15 homers and 71 RBI … Has played both corner infield positions and pitched in 2024 … Was a preseason All-America by the NCBWA in 2025 and 2026, is a two-time CUSA All-Conference USA and ABCA All-Region selection, was named to the NCAA Tucson Regional All-Tournament Team in 2024 … Ranks among the top five in program career history in homers and RBI … Hit .372 over two years at Grayson CC, with 16 homers and 93 RBI.
Community Engagement: Active with the Miracle League at the local and international level … Helped organize a clinic to serve people with adaptive and special needs … Serves at Mercy Street, teaching baseball to youth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area … Is active with local high school community outreach … Traveled with DBU to the Dominic Republic, working with local children and sharing his love of baseball and his faith.
What They’re Saying: “Chayton has been a valuable member of DBU Baseball in his three years as a Patriot. He has exemplifies what it truly means to be a Patriot in how he plays and his service to others. He has served communities locally and internationally, setting the standard for the program with his commitment to others and to the University.”
– Ryan Wilson, DBU Assistant Sports Information Director
Zion Rose, Louisville, OF, Jr., Chicago, Ill.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Has a 3.942 cumulative GPA as a psychology major … Has been honored as a Academic All-American second-team selection by the College Sports Communicators, earned CSC Academic All-District honors, and is a two-time Academic All-Atlantic Coast Conference Team selection … Was the winner of the 2025 NCAA Elite 90 Award … Earned a spot on the 2024 and 2025 USA Collegiate National Team and finished with All-ACC First-Team Honors … Named a freshman All-American in 2024 … Over three years with the Cards, has played in 138 games with 136 starts, hitting .352 (184-for-523) with 139 runs, 34 doubles, nine triples, 23 homers and 131 RBI, stealing 58 bases … As a junior in 2026, has hit .410 (43-for-105) in 28 games, with nine doubles, one triple, five homers and 32 RBI, stealing 17 bases … Hit .310 with 31 homers, 67 RBI and 31 steals in 2025.
Community Engagement: Has been a fixture in the community, earning a spot as co-captain of the 2026 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team … Volunteers with the Special Olympics of Chicago … Completed a service trip to the Dominican Republic in 2023 … Has participated in service with the Volunteers of America, the Miracle League of Louisville, the Louisville FCA, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Walk, Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, St. Joe’s Orphanage and the Lord’s Kitchen … Also participated in the MLB Player’s Alliance Thanksgiving turkey drive.
What They’re Saying: “Zion has been a leader, not only on the baseball team, but on this campus since he arrived. Being voted team captain in his sophomore year demonstrated his ability to serve others. To compete and do whatever he can to help his team win is why it comes naturally for him to constantly be volunteering his time to serve in this community. Our baseball program has a reputation for community service and partnering with several organizations, such as Gilda’s Club, St. Joe’s Orphanage, The Lord’s Kitchen, Miracle League, and the Susan G. Komen Walk. What’s been so impressive with Zion is his desire to serve other organizations on his own over the past couple of years.”
– Dan McDonnell, Louisville Baseball Head Coach
Chris Stanfield, LSU, OF, Sr., Tallahassee, Fla.
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: The inaugural winner of the Tony Gwynn Trophy in 2025, while helping lead LSU to the NCAA Men’s College World Series title … Has a 3.5 GPA and is a 2025 SEC Academic Honor Roll selection … Has played in 198 career games, including 102 while at Auburn from 2023-24, totaling 33 doubles, five triples, 10 homers and 87 RBI, with 23 steals … In 2025, led LSU to the national championship as the team-leading hitter with a .326 average, scoring 25 runs with 14 doubles in 30 games … Named to the NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team in 2025, which included a 3-for-4 game vs. DBU with a homer and three RBI … Had 10 RBI and seven runs in 11 games during LSU’s run to the national title in 2025 in the CWS … Played in 28 games in 2026, missing games due to injuries and currently is hitting .229 with four extra base hits, nine RBI and 14 walks.
Community Engagement: A fixture in the communities at Auburn and LSU … Launched his “Be The 1” Campaign at LSU, where he donates $100 to the Miracle League in Baton Rouge for every game with an extra-base hit or stolen base … Raised more than $10,000 for the Miracle League of East Alabama while at Auburn, an organization he has been active in since in middle school in Tallahassee, Florida … Also volunteers with local elementary schools and hospitals and participates in the Out of Darkness Walk, driven to support suicide prevention … Is a two-time member of the SEC’s Community Service Team … Named to the 2026 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team by Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation.
What They’re Saying: “He’s an 11 out of 10 human being; that would be my assessment of Chris. He’s obviously a great player, but he’s also one of those people in life that every time they walk into a room, you automatically smile because of the energy they bring, the positivity they bring, the attitude they bring, and that’s Chris Stanfield. I feel like our team’s work with the Miracle League is our program at its best; with Chris leading the way, interacting with young people who don’t have the same privileges that our players do. Our fans will remember the lead-off hits, they’ll remember the stolen bases, they’ll remember the diving plays in the outfield. Chris’ teammates and I will remember the person. There are very few bad days when Chris Stanfield is on your team.”
– Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball Head Coach
Troy Sudbrook, Toledo, INF, r-Jr., Avon, Ohio
Academic/Athletic Accomplishments: Is working on his master’s of business administrator and owns a 4.0 GPA in his graduate program, after earning his bachelor’s degree in finance in the 2025 fall … Member of the College Sports Communicators All-District Team, has been a member of the Toledo President’s List through career and was named Academic All-MAC … Was selected to attend the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in 2025 by the MAC … Serves as the SAAC Vice President at Toledo … Has played in 147 games with 143 starts over his three-year Toledo career, hitting .295 (164-for-556) with 48 doubles, five triples, 19 homers and 130 RBI … As a junior in 2026, has hit .366 (67-for-1783) with 50 runs, 28 doubles, two triples, nine homers and 62 RBI, sporting a .459 on-base percentage.
Community Engagement: Has totaled more than 40 community service hours as a fixture in the baseball program and community at Toledo … Has been a three-time volunteer with the Miracle League of Northwest Ohio … Volunteered for the Little Boo at The Zoo in 2023 … Has collected toys for local children as part of the Hope for the Holidays Toy Collection drive in 2023, 2024 and 2025 … Filled Christmas Boxes as part of Rockets Rise for three years … Organized food donations for local food banks through SAAC, competing vs. Bowling Green in the Clash of Cans Food Drive … Volunteered at the YMCA of Greater Toledo for a Thanksgiving Dinner and Literacy Education for three years … Has made a visit to encourage children at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2025 … Assisted at the Tricks, Treats and Dunks Basketball Tip-Off Event in 2024 … Hosted a local school field trip to Scott Park in 2024 … Was involved in a Team IMPACT gathering in 2024.
What They’re Saying: “Troy has maximized every bit of his student-athlete experience at the University of Toledo, and his community service has been a huge part of that. His work with organizing and leading our efforts with Miracle League of Northwest Ohio, Thanksgiving dinner and literacy nights at the YMCA, toy drives, hospital visits and much more have been exemplary. He is not only a model student-athlete for this program, but for every student-athlete at the University of Toledo. He is the Vice President of SAAC, one of four players selected to the NCAA Division I Baseball Oversight Committee and represented the MAC at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Not only is Troy exceptional in the community, but he is a 4.0 student in the classroom and an everyday third baseman for our program who is putting together an impressive season on the field. Troy exceeds the standard of what it means to be a college baseball student-athlete, and we’re proud to have him considered for the Tony Gwynn Award.
– Rob Reinstetle, Toledo Head Coach