University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Eli Parker
Sanders, Cox Named to American's Preseason All-Conference Team
Dec 30, 2025 | Baseball
IRVING, Texas – Infielder Shane Cox and pitcher Brayden Sanders were selected to the American Conference's Preseason All-Conference Team Tuesday morning, per a league release.
The 16-player list is composed of players from six American teams, with each school represented (Memphis, Charlotte, East Carolina, UTSA, Florida Atlantic, Tulane) have multiple players named to the preseason all-conference team. The full list of preseason honors can be found at the end of this release.
Cox, a graduate student from nearby Munford High School, is set for his fifth season with the Tigers and is Memphis' returning leader in every major offensive category, hitting .286 in 2025 with 20 extra-base hits, 31 RBI and eight stolen bases.
His 2025 campaign included a three-game home run streak, with home runs against Rice (April 18, April 19) and Arkansas State (April 22).
Sanders, a graduate student from Olive Branch, Mississippi, is coming off consecutive seasons as Memphis' saves leader, including a 2024 campaign where he led the American and was ranked within the top 20 nationally with nine saves. The right-hander logged a save in Memphis' series-clinching win against Florida Atlantic (April 13) and notched back-to-back saves to complete a sweep of UAB during the 2025 season.
The former No. 4 right-handed pitcher and No. 10 player in Mississippi in the class of 2020 according to Perfect Game was also named to the 2024 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List, also garnering a nod on the preseason watch list for the same award ahead of the 2025 season.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season-ticket pages are $99 plus fees and include a reserved seat in the grandstand at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field for all 31 home games in 2025.
Kids ages 17 and under will receive free admission all season. Please note that free youth tickets are only in the general admission area and not in the grandstand.
Tickets can be purchased using THIS LINK.
2026 AMERICAN CONFERENCE PRESEASON HONORS
Preseason Player of the Year
Dawson Bryce, 3B, Charlotte
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
Ethan Norby, East Carolina*
Preseason All-Conference Team
P – Andrew Kribbs, Charlotte
P – Ethan Norby, East Carolina*
P – Robert Orloski, UTSA
RP – Joseph Taylor, Charlotte
RP – Brayden Sanders, Memphis
RP – Conner Kelley, UTSA
C – Andrew Stucky, UTSA
1B – Austin Irby, East Carolina
2B – Shane Cox, Memphis
SS – Brando Leroux, Florida Atlantic
3B – Dawson Bryce, Charlotte
OF – Braden Burress, East Carolina
OF – Marshall Lipsey, Florida Atlantic*
OF – Drew Detlefsen, UTSA
OF – Jason Wachs, Tulane
DH – Matthias Haas, Tulane
* denotes unanimous selection
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The 16-player list is composed of players from six American teams, with each school represented (Memphis, Charlotte, East Carolina, UTSA, Florida Atlantic, Tulane) have multiple players named to the preseason all-conference team. The full list of preseason honors can be found at the end of this release.
Cox, a graduate student from nearby Munford High School, is set for his fifth season with the Tigers and is Memphis' returning leader in every major offensive category, hitting .286 in 2025 with 20 extra-base hits, 31 RBI and eight stolen bases.
His 2025 campaign included a three-game home run streak, with home runs against Rice (April 18, April 19) and Arkansas State (April 22).
Sanders, a graduate student from Olive Branch, Mississippi, is coming off consecutive seasons as Memphis' saves leader, including a 2024 campaign where he led the American and was ranked within the top 20 nationally with nine saves. The right-hander logged a save in Memphis' series-clinching win against Florida Atlantic (April 13) and notched back-to-back saves to complete a sweep of UAB during the 2025 season.
The former No. 4 right-handed pitcher and No. 10 player in Mississippi in the class of 2020 according to Perfect Game was also named to the 2024 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List, also garnering a nod on the preseason watch list for the same award ahead of the 2025 season.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Season-ticket pages are $99 plus fees and include a reserved seat in the grandstand at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field for all 31 home games in 2025.
Kids ages 17 and under will receive free admission all season. Please note that free youth tickets are only in the general admission area and not in the grandstand.
Tickets can be purchased using THIS LINK.
2026 AMERICAN CONFERENCE PRESEASON HONORS
Preseason Player of the Year
Dawson Bryce, 3B, Charlotte
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
Ethan Norby, East Carolina*
Preseason All-Conference Team
P – Andrew Kribbs, Charlotte
P – Ethan Norby, East Carolina*
P – Robert Orloski, UTSA
RP – Joseph Taylor, Charlotte
RP – Brayden Sanders, Memphis
RP – Conner Kelley, UTSA
C – Andrew Stucky, UTSA
1B – Austin Irby, East Carolina
2B – Shane Cox, Memphis
SS – Brando Leroux, Florida Atlantic
3B – Dawson Bryce, Charlotte
OF – Braden Burress, East Carolina
OF – Marshall Lipsey, Florida Atlantic*
OF – Drew Detlefsen, UTSA
OF – Jason Wachs, Tulane
DH – Matthias Haas, Tulane
* denotes unanimous selection
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ BaseballWolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - May 14, 2025
Wednesday, May 14
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - May 6, 2025
Wednesday, May 07
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - April 29, 2025
Tuesday, April 29
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Baseball Edition - April 22, 2025
Tuesday, April 22