LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern baseball was prominently featured in the 2026 Sun Conference postseason awards, placing seven student-athletes on the All-Conference teams while freshman outfielder
Armani Cozza was named Sun Conference Freshman of the Year.
Cozza headlined the Fire's honorees after putting together a solid debut season. The Lakeland native became just the second Southeastern player to earn Sun Conference Freshman of the Year honors and made it back-to-back seasons the award has gone to a Fire newcomer. Cozza was also selected First Team All-Conference after emerging as one of the league's most dynamic all-around players. He led the Sun Conference with a .402 batting average while totaling 53 hits, 57 runs scored, 42 RBIs, 13 doubles, and four home runs.
He ranked among the conference leaders in multiple offensive categories, highlighted by a six-RBI performance against Warner and a four-hit, four-RBI day against Ave Maria. More than the numbers, Cozza provided an immediate spark at the top of the lineup and established himself as one of the foundational pieces of Southeastern's future.
Nathaniel Hopkins was named First Team All-Conference after serving as a steady force at shortstop and in the middle of the lineup. Hopkins batted .346 with 53 hits, 49 runs scored, 36 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases while providing consistent production offensively and defensively.
Cooper Ciesielski collected First Team All-Conference honors following a power-filled season in the outfield. He hit .355 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .678 slugging percentage, emerging as one of the conference's most dangerous middle-of-the-order bats.
Byler Reither earned First Team All-Conference honors after anchoring the Fire rotation throughout the spring. The right-hander went 7-2 with a 3.86 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 58.1 innings while delivering key starts in conference play.
Cade Parry garnered Second Team All-Conference recognition after producing a strong season at third base. Parry hit .316 with 50 hits, nine home runs, and 45 RBIs, supplying steady run production in the heart of the order.
Charlie Collins earned Second Team All-Conference honors after adding another strong season to an already accomplished career. A 2025 First Team All-Sun Conference selection, Collins followed with a .358 average, 44 hits, 27 RBIs, and five home runs in 2026, continuing to be a reliable presence in the Fire lineup. His latest honor made him a repeat all-conference selection and further highlighted his sustained impact for Southeastern.
Austin Peddycoart rounded out the Fire's honorees with Second Team All-Conference recognition after a strong season on the mound. He posted a 4-1 record with a 4.04 ERA and 36 strikeouts, providing valuable innings both as a starter and in multiple pitching roles.
The eight all-conference selections underscore the depth and balance of a Southeastern team that paired veteran leadership with emerging young talent during another strong campaign, carrying momentum into postseason play.
