SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University baseball program is proud to announce that senior catcher
Dylan Winebrenner has been awarded the prestigious
Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference Medal of Inspiration for the 2024-25 academic year. This honor recognizes his remarkable journey and unwavering determination in overcoming significant challenges during his collegiate athletic career.
Dylan Winebrenner, hailing from Frederick, Md., has been an inspiring figure in the Salisbury baseball community. Despite enduring two Tommy John surgeries—an arduous process requiring nine to twelve months of rehabilitation each—Winebrenner demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to return to the field. His dedication paid off with an outstanding season where he was named the C2C Baseball Player of the Year, earned first-team All-C2C and All-Region honors, received the ECAC Player of the Year title, and was recognized as Salisbury's Comeback Player of the Year.
Winebrenner's performance on the field was nothing short of remarkable. He posted a .356 batting average, a .444 on-base percentage, and a .655 slugging percentage. Throughout 44 games, he amassed 14 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 54 RBIs, 49 runs scored, and eight stolen bases, resulting in an impressive 1.099 OPS. These achievements underscore his ability to overcome adversity and compete at an elite level.
Reflecting on his journey, Winebrenner stated, "Winning the C2C Medal of Inspiration means a lot to me. My journey with battling injuries has not only taught me lessons about baseball, but also about life. I always knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel; it was just a matter of doing whatever it took to reach it. Salisbury University, my coaches, and athletics trainers all played a role in my recovery. They gave me unwavering support throughout my journey and made it possible for me to play baseball at a high level."
Salisbury baseball coach
Troy Brohawn praised Winebrenner's perseverance and resilience, stating, "Two words that come to mind are perseverance and resilience. I've had Tommy John surgery and know the requirements of a year-long rehab. I couldn't fathom going through it twice. But Dylan was committed to his training and rehabilitation and made many sacrifices for his success. Even when faced with setbacks, Dylan pushed through that adversity because he believed in himself. In my opinion, that's what championship players do! Pushing through those challenges made him mentally tougher and enhanced his leadership qualities. Other players respected him because of his work ethic."
Winebrenner also garnered Academic All-District laurels for the second straight year after posting a 3.578 GPA as a Biology major. He has regularly made the Dean's List at SU, serves as a HALO volunteer, and holds membership in Chi Alpha Sigma. Winebrenner is the definition of a student-athlete who grinds through whatever is thrown his way.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 24 individual national championships, and 205 conference championships, and have produced 51 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
