LAKELAND, Fla. – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) announced its first NCAA Division II weekly award winners of the 2026 for performances between Jan. 30-Feb. 1, with West Florida's Zack Stokes named as South Region Player of the Week.

NCBWA ANNOUNCMENT

Stokes went 7-for-10 (.700) and drove in nine runs to help the Argonauts to a three-game sweep against No. 6 Florida Southern. The graduate student also slugged 1.600 with three home runs, posted a .692 on-base percentage, and scored four times. In the season-opening doubleheader, he logged a pair of two-hit games, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in the opener, while going 2-for-4 in the second game. In the series finale, Stokes played a role in seven of West Florida’s 13 runs, as he homered twice, scored three times, and drove in six runs, while going 3-for-3 on the day. 

For the second staight year, a Gulf South Conference baseball student-athlete is recognized with a regional weekly award recipient following the opening week of the season. Stokes, who was previously named GSC Player of the Week, is the first Argonaut to garner regional honors since former standout Darrien McDowell was recognized on April 25, 2024.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Howser Award Player of the Year, Regional Player of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication and writing contests.

2026 NCBWA South Region Players of the Week
Week 1: Zach Stokes (West Florida) – Player / Jacob Pino (Florida Tech) – Pitcher