BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Mid-South Conference released the 2025 postseason awards on Tuesday and the Freed-Hardeman University Lions were well represented with eight awards going to the men in maroon.

Cooper Johnson was chosen as the league's Freshman of the Year. The Goodlettsville native put stellar numbers by maintaining a 4.14 ERA across 50 innings of work. In 12 appearances, Johnson had a 4-3 record with a 63 strikeouts to 26 walks. In addition to his pitching, Johnson was awarded the MSC's Pitcher Gold Glove.

Three Lions were selected to the conference's first team. Trace Anderson was named the MSC's top second baseman with a .359 batting average primarily as the FHU leadoff man. The junior more than doubled his career home run total after entering the season with five long balls to smash 13 in the 2025 season.

Cade Fuller was chosen as the first team third baseman after a stellar sophomore season. Fuller led FHU in every hitting category with a .417 average with 27 extra-base hits including 16 home runs. With 56 runs batted in, Fuller also led the team on the bases with 26 stolen bases. Fuller was also awarded the Third Base Gold Glove with a .950 fielding percentage at the hot corner with 40 putouts and 73 assists.

JJ Pruneau nabbed one of the two first team catcher awards. In 129 at-bats, the sophomore held a .357 average while driving in 31 runs. He had 12 extra-base hits while drawing seven walks.

Selected to the second team as an outfielder, Dawson Massengale had a great season with a .310 batting average with 35 hits: most of which came as infield hits. Not shying away from sacrificing his at-bats, he led the team with five sacrifice flies and six sacrifice bunts. 

Dalton Bonner also collected the Right Field Gold Glove with a perfect fielding percentage with 63 putouts and two outfield assists.


Off the field, Dawson Massengale was chosen as FHU's Champion of Character. According to the Mid-South Conference, "The MSC recognizes a Champions of Character Team for each championship sport. The student-athletes that are honored on the Champions of Character Team were nominated by their coaches based on their leadership on campus and in the community while demonstrating the five core character values of the NAIA."


16 Lions were honored as Academic All-Conference selections. Student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and must be in their third term while appearing on the eligibility certificate. Earning the distinction were Trace Anderson, Dean Bechman, Hunter Bennett, Drake Blackwood, Colton Bryant, Chase Eakes, Jackson Fitzwilson, Blayne Highfill, Austin Johnson, Riley Keesey, Eli Kuykendall, Cristian Lopez, Dawson Massengale, JJ Pruneau, Joe Romines, and Tyler Wingard.


The Lions will open the MSC Tournament as the No. 3 seed against the Bethel Wildcats on April 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Bowling Green Ballpark.