Pentecost Honored as TU’s Top Male Athlete for 2024-2025
UPLAND, Ind. – Two weeks after being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros, Gabel Pentecost was named the 2024-2025 Taylor Male Athlete of the Year.
“We are thrilled to see Gabel recognized with this tremendous honor,” said TU pitching coach Justin Barber. “While his accomplishments on the field were impressive, what stands out most about Gabel is the kind of person and teammate he showed himself to be every day. He was an integral part of our team on and off the diamond for the past three years, and we wish Gabel all the best as he begins his professional baseball career with the Houston Astros.”
Pentecost helped power Taylor to a 47-11 record and a sweep of the regular season and tournament titles in the Crossroads League, marking TU’s fourth-straight season with at least 40 wins and a CL crown. The junior ace posted a 12-2 record in 80 innings on the bump for TU, touting a 3.04 earned-run average, a 1.05 WHIP and 116 strikeouts to just 21 walks.
In addition to setting Taylor’s single-season records for wins and strikeouts, Pentecost ranked sixth in the NAIA in each statistic, while ending third for the fewest walks issued per inning pitched. Those numbers paved the way for Pentecost being named a Third-Team NAIA All-American and the Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year.
The Taylor Male Athlete of the Year Award is designed to recognize TU’s top male student-athlete among freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors based on athletic accomplishments throughout the 2024-2025 year. Athletes are nominated for the award by their head coach and voted on by members of the TU Athletics Department.