John Longoria

Coming off a stellar in 2011, University of Houston-Victoria outfielder John Longoria has been named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 2012 Baseball Preseason All-America Team.

Longoria, who was named the Association of Independent Institutions Player of the Year last year, was one of 17 players selected by the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association All-America Selection Committee.

“It’s a great honor and a well deserving one for John,” UHV head baseball coach Terry Puhl said. “He is one of the most all-round student-athletes that we have and I am excited for him.”

Longoria, who played the outfield and first base for the Jaguars last season, lead UHV in nearly every offensive category. In 55 games, he compiled a team-leading .374 average with 70 hits in 187 at bats.

The 6-foot-3 senior from Spring also led the team with 50 RBIs, 119 total bases, four triples and 23 doubles, which tied the all-time single-season UHV record held by Austin Kent. He finished third on the team in home runs with six and in runs scored with 38 as he earned NAIA All-America honorable mention recognition.

This past summer he kept his game in shape as a member of the Victoria Generals and was selected to the Texas Collegiate League All-Star team.

“He is a great leader and a good example for the rest of the team,” Puhl said. “His leadership abilities will be counted on heavily this year.”

In two seasons with the Jaguars, he has appeared in 107 games and compiled a .342 batting average. He has driven in 97 runs with 35 doubles, 16 home runs and five triples. Ha has also scored 79 runs and has a .970 fielding percentage.