Stephen Villines

Classroom

Stephen Villines was named to the Athletic Director’s and Big 12 Commissioner’s honor rolls and is on track to graduate in four years with a degree in communications and a business minor.

Character

“He is a really intelligent, high-energy person,” Kansas Head Coach Ritch Price said. “No one works harder than Villines. He came to KU as a walk-on and will leave here as an all-conference player and graduate in four years. He is one of our team captains, and when you are selecting them, you are looking for individuals who represent your program in a positive manner on the field, off the field, in the classroom and in the community, and Stephen fits that bill. “

Community

Villines is an active member of the community and tries to help whenever he has the chance. He played an integral role in the Safeway Canned Food Drive, and most recently, packed up and handed out school supplies to underprivileged children during the baseball team’s trip to the Dominican Republic. In addition, Villines heads up a program through the baseball team where they host a “Concerned Care” clinic for physically and mentally disabled individuals. He organizes the event and prepares the rest of the team to be able to help the individuals in attendance.

Competition

Villines has earned many honors, including 2016 All-Big 12 Second Team, 2015 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, 2014 NCBWA second-team Freshman All-America, 2014 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and 2014 Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Villines holds a career ERA of 2.51 and racked up 27 saves during his time at the University of Kansas. His 27 saves rank second all-time, and he is just five away from becoming the all-time leader in KU history.