June 23, 2025

Walters State Tyler Myatt named DI Baseball Player of the Year

Charlotte, NC: After having one of the most decorated seasons in NJCAA Baseball history, Walters State Community College (TN) designated hitter Tyler Myatt has been named the 2025 NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Year.

Myatt became the first NJCAA baseball player to lead the nation in batting average, home runs, and RBI since Cael Baker of Wabash Valley Community College (IL) did in 2019. The freshman hit for a .484 average, with 31 home runs, and 110 RBI. He also had 20 doubles on the season and held a 1.014 slugging percentage. Myatt was able to reach base in 62 of the Senators 66 games this season.

"What an unbelievable season Tyler Myatt had for us here at Walters State. I never thought I would see a player hit .500 over the course of an entire regular season in college. And for Tyler to do that with the added power numbers in breaking our school record for both Home Runs and RBI's, is just mind boggling," Walters State head baseball coach David Shelton said.

Walters State was ranked for the entirety of the 2025 season, and Myatt and company led them to a 59-8-1 record, an Appalachian District Championship, and a runner-up finish in the 2025 NJCAA DI Baseball World Series. Myatt was named the 2025 Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) Player of the Year.

Tyler broke the school record for both Home Runs and RBI. The RBI record was previously held by Alberto Osuna, the 2021 NJCAA DI Baseball Player of the Year. Osuna went on to play three seasons at the University of North Carolina.

The Senators made their first appearance since 2022 and were the No.1 overall seed in the ten-team World Series field. They would squeak by the No. 10 seed Eastern Oklahoma State in the first round. They would go on to rattle off two straight wins to reach the semifinals but then fall to McLennan (TX). After defeating the Highlanders in a second matchup, they would face the red-hot 8-seed Salt Lake (UT) for the championship. They would fall 9-6. Throughout those six games, Myatt finished the week going 9/24 (.375) from the plate, with four doubles, two home runs, six RBI, and six walks. Seven of Myatt's hits in the World Series were extra-base hits. These efforts earned him a spot on the World Series All-Tournament Team.

"You could say so many things about Tyler's season statistically and the records he broke. But what I thought was the most impressive is that he was an even better teammate. He never once showed up and acted like he was better than the guy next to him. There couldn't have been a better human being or teammate to have the season he had," said Walters State sophomore Walker Morgan.

Myatt has committed to continuing his baseball career close to home at the University of Tennessee. Myatt committed to the Vols over Texas A&M and LSU.

"We are extremely excited and proud of Tyler for receiving the ultimate individual player honor of NJCAA National Player of the Year. With all the great players across the country in Junior College, to receive this honor is truly a special achievement," said coach Shelton.

2024-25 NJCAA Accomplishments

2025 NJCAA DI Baseball First-Team All-America
2025 NJCAA DI Baseball World Series All-Tournament Team
NJCAA DI Baseball Triple Crown
TCCAA Player of the Year
All-TCCAA First Team