Junior shortstop Roch Cholowsky from UCLA has been named to the Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Watch List, according to an announcement by the College Baseball Foundation.
The Brooks Wallace Award is presented each year to the top shortstop in college baseball. It is named in memory of Brooks Wallace, a former Texas Tech player who died at age 27 after battling leukemia. Prior to 2009, this award was given to the national player of the year.
Cholowsky, who won last year’s Brooks Wallace Award and was recognized as a CBF All-American, has started the 2026 season with strong performances. He currently holds a .341 batting average and has hit seven home runs. Notably, he delivered a crucial two-run home run with UCLA down to its final out against No. 4 Mississippi State, tying the game in the ninth inning.
On defense, Cholowsky has maintained a perfect record so far this season. As the reigning ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove shortstop, he has handled all 53 fielding chances over 12 games without an error, continuing his high standard from 2025.
The College Baseball Foundation works to preserve and promote college baseball’s history and traditions. It also recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport. The foundation operates as a non-profit organization and supports initiatives such as the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
The CBF presents several annual awards including: the Brooks Wallace Award for outstanding shortstop, National Pitcher of the Year Award, John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award, George H.W. Bush Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence.
