This Tuesday, the 2025 Academic All-District Baseball Teams were announced by College Sports Communicators, recognizing the nation's top student-athletes for their achievements both on the field and in the classroom. Among those honored were Purdue Northwest standouts Drake Ballard (Louisville, Ky./Martha Laynes Collins) and Dan Puplava (Portage, Ind./Portage).

Drake Ballard (Louisville, Ky./Martha Laynes Collins) had an outstanding year, playing a key role in the Pride's success on the diamond while also making history off the field. He became the first player in program history to receive the Troy Berry Award, which honors a GLIAC student-athlete who demonstrates exceptional character and leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Ballard also earned the John Friend Leadership Award from Purdue Northwest, recognizing his passion and dedication to the university and surrounding community. On the field, Ballard posted a .266 batting average and a .399 on-base percentage, tallying 33 hits, 22 RBIs, and 28 runs scored.

Dan Puplava (Portage, Ind./Portage) also excelled in the classroom and on the field. Puplava also played a big leadership role for the Pride as he closed the season with a .293 batting average, 36 hits, 25 RBIs, and one home run. Defensively, he was a standout with a .996 fielding percentage, recording 232 putouts, 12 assists, and just one error all season.

Check out the full list of honorees [HERE].