Stivors named Sun Belt Athlete of the Year

Tristan Stivors, former Texas State pitcher and current Chicago White Sox signee, was named the Sun Belt Conference 2021-2022 Male Athlete of the Year.

Playing for the Bobcats baseball team from 2020-2022, it was the 2022 season that put Stivors on the map as he was a key contributor to  the team’s success which saw Texas State capture its second ever Sun Belt regular season conference title and first NCAA tournament appearance since 2011.

“I am extremely honored and proud to be the recipient of the Sun Belt Male Athlete of the Year,” Stivors said. “I share this amazing honor with my teammates and coaches. We were on a mission, set goals and reached them together. We wanted people to fall in love with the Bobcats from Texas State!”

Despite Stivors success on the mound, the pitcher wanted to thank the people around him along with the Bobcat faithful.

“I want to thank my teammates and coaches as our successes were only possible because of the commitment and dedication from all of you to our team,” Stivors said. “Bobcat fans, y’all are amazing. Thank you for believing in us and cheering us on throughout the season. And to my family, your support and endless dedication to my dream will always hold a special place in my heart. I am honored to have been a part of one of the greatest seasons ever by the Bobcats.”

Perhaps Stivors’ most famous performance was when the then senior made his first career start for Texas State in an elimination game against Stanford who was ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Despite the loss, Stivors threw for seven innings while striking out a career high nine batters.

Stivors was named to the first team All American team by several outlets and was named NCBWA Stopper of the Year while leading the NCAA in saves with 18.

Stivors is just the second male athlete to win the Sun Belt Athlete of the Year behind former Texas State basketball player Nijal Pearson.