SUNY Niagara's Cam Gravelle named DIII Baseball Defensive Player of the Year
Charlotte, NC – SUNY Niagara (NY) Cam Gravelle has been named the 2026 NJCAA Division III Baseball Defensive Player of the Year, capping off an excellent sophomore season and a historical one for the Thunderwolves.
Gravelle takes home the honor after posting an impressive .964 fielding percentage with 20 double plays, 105 assists, 58 put outs, and six errors. The shortstop sophomore was one of the key players that led the Thunderwolves to claim their historic world series championship.
"Cam comes from Smithville, Ontario, and was another Division I bounce back," said SUNY Niagara head coach Matt Clingersmith. "We knew about his hitting, but his fielding is one of the best in my career as head coach at SUNY Niagara. Many times he won us games with his glove. His big plays in the field and his IQ led us to our first NJCAA Division III World Series championship. We are thankful that Cam came to our school this year."
Cam's offensive versatility was also shown, finnishing the year with an AVG of .449, 64 RBI, and 72 R.
SUNY Niagara would enter the 2026 NJCAA DIII Baseball World Series as the No. 3 seed. In the first round, the Thunderwolves would face off against sixth seeded Northern Essex (MA) and would win 11-5. Their second round matchup would be against 3-time defending champion and No. 2 seed RCSJ Gloucester (NJ) and upset the No. 2 seed 9-7. SUNY Niagara's semifinal matchup would find them facing off with the No. 1 seed Dallas-Eastfield (TX). The Thunderwolves rallied from a three run deficit after the first inning and upset the No. 1 seed 6-5. The championship game would see Niagara rematch against Gloucester in which Niagara would seal the championship with a 12-8 win.
Gravelle has committed to play at Georgia Gwinnett College.
