FGCU's Evan Dempsey named preseason All-American after John Olerud Award

The FGCU baseball team is back on the field at Swanson Stadium, preparing for the 2025 season. For pitcher and outfielder Evan Dempsey, this is exactly where he wants to be.

"I went home for winter break for a month, and all I wanted to do was come back here," said Dempsey. "You know I'm throwing into a net, throwing to my brother who can't catch a ball. So it's a lot better being back here with my guys."

Dempsey, entering his junior season, is the first preseason All-American in FGCU baseball history. He was named a preseason All-American by Perfect Game. 

"Sometimes it's tough for a mid-school to have a preseason All-American, and to do that, that means you're a really special baseball player," said FGCU coach Dave Tollett.

Dempsey's preseason accolades follow his win of the John Olerud Award as the nation's best two-way player last season. He shared his approach for the upcoming 2026 season.

"Focusing on one pitch at a time, being able to slow the game down, make sure I do everything I need to do for me and also the team, to kind of get to that spot again," said Dempsey. "Because it sets the standard for winning that award, I come back this year, and I have to do it again."

"There’s going to be a lot of scouts here...he just has to be a kid again and go play the game and not get caught up in all the stuff, which I think he will," said Tollett.

Dempsey will also draw from his experience playing with Team USA in their national collegiate camp.

"If you talk to them, Team USA considers him probably the best athlete out of 52, which is going to really help when he has that backing behind him," said Tollett.

Loyalty is key for Dempsey, who chose FGCU after it was his only offer.

"It took me two minutes to decide like you know I want to stay," said Dempsey.

His commitment earned him a spot on the D1 Baseball All-Loyalty Team.