Angelo State's Beck, Ferguson Named LSC's 2026 Scholar Athletes

RICHARDSON, TX — Angelo State baseball's Austin Beck and volleyball's Ireland Ferguson were named to the Lone Star Conference's Class of 2026 Scholar-Athletes, the conference announced Tuesday.

Beck, a senior pursuing his MBA after earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science, capped one of the most decorated careers in Angelo State baseball history. The Allen native became the first player in NCAA Division II history to surpass 300 career runs scored, finishing his career as the division's all-time leader with 311 runs.

During the 2026 season, Beck batted .339 with a .449 on-base percentage and a .560 slugging percentage. He recorded 74 hits, including 30 extra-base hits, while driving in 62 runs and scoring 69 times. He also stole 50 bases, setting Angelo State's single-season record and extending his program career record.

Beck was named the Lone Star Conference Academic Player of the Year in baseball and earned CSC First Team Academic All-America honors.

Ferguson, a senior libero from Venice, Florida, majoring in marketing, was a Second Team All-LSC selection and helped lead the Belles to a 26-8 overall record and a 15-2 mark in conference play.

Angelo State won both the LSC regular-season and tournament championships and advanced to the regional final for the second consecutive season.

Ferguson concluded her career with 1,061 digs and 98 service aces, becoming the 16th player in program history to record at least 1,000 digs.

She led the Belles with 483 digs in 2025, averaging 4.16 digs per set, and added 29 service aces.