Long Named ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year; Walsh, Shields Named to All-Academic Team

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Senior pitcher Richard Long was named the 2025 ASUN Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, leading three Jacksonville baseball players who earned spots on the ASUN All-Academic Team. Alongside Long, Alex Walsh and Jonah Shields were also recognized for their academic achievements the league announced Monday.

All three student-athletes demonstrated a strong commitment to academic success while making significant contributions on the field. The ASUN All-Academic Team recognizes players who maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50, have completed at least four semesters of college coursework or 50% of degree progress, and have participated in at least 50% of their team’s contests during the season.

Head coach Chris Hayes praised the trio for their unique contributions on and off the field.

“Richard Long is a pillar of our program: a steady presence both on the mound and academically,” Hayes said. “Jonah Shields has been the heart of the team, bringing energy and passion every day while excelling in his studies. Alex Walsh has worked hard all season to develop and flourish, becoming a real force as we head into the postseason, all while thriving in the classroom.”

Long, who secured a 3.79 GPA in Finance, was a dominant force on the mound for the Dolphins in 2025, highlighted by several quality outings, including a season-high nine strikeouts in a complete game against Queens. He was a consistent and reliable member of the Dolphin pitching staff, delivering impressive performances such as a seven-inning shutout versus North Carolina A&T on March 7, a two-hit, seven-inning effort against Illinois State on February 21, a six-inning outing with eight strikeouts versus Stetson, and an eight-inning, three-hit game against FGCU; all without allowing an earned run.

Long ranked third in the ASUN regular season in ERA and opponent batting average, tied for third in wins, and was among the conference leaders in fewest runs and earned runs allowed, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top pitchers.

Shields led JU in both batting average and hits during the 2025 season while also posting a 3.63 in Business Administration. He ranked fourth in the ASUN Conference with a .374 batting average, seventh with 73 hits, and fourth with 24 stolen bases. Known for his excellent on-base skills, he posted a .442 on-base percentage. Shields recorded 22 multi-hit games, including eight contests where he drove in three runs. His consistency was evident with a team-best 16-game hitting streak and a five-game hit streak to close out the regular season. At one point, he reached base in 23 consecutive games, underscoring his value as a key offensive contributor.

Defensively, Shields maintained a strong .937 fielding percentage at second base, showcasing his reliability on the infield. 

Walsh, a Finance major with a 3.90 GPA, was a consistent contributor on the mound for the Dolphins while maintaining a 3.90 GPA. In 15 appearances, Walsh threw 60.2 innings, striking out 46 batters and recording a 4.45 ERA. His best outing came against FGCU, where he tossed 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just two hits. Walsh also notched a season-high eight strikeouts against Queens. 

Long, Walsh, and Shields, along with their teammates, begin ASUN postseason play tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., facing North Alabama to kick off the ASUN Baseball Championships.

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