2016 ABCA/Rawlings Division I Gold Glove Award Team

OMAHA, Neb. – University of South Alabama outfielder Cole Billingsley was named to the 2016 American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Division I Gold Glove Team.

It marks the second consecutive season Billingsley has earned an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The Cropwell, Ala., native did not commit an error in 188 chances in center field this season while also recording five assists. Billingsley has played 151 consecutive games at USA without committing an error, and has made just one error – which came at Troy in his freshman season of 2013 – in his Jaguar career.

Billingsley was named first-team all-Sun Belt Conference after leading the league in stolen bases (31) for the second straight year. He also led the conference in sacrifice flies (8), and received second-team all-South Central Region honors for the second consecutive season.

Billingsley is the first two-time Gold Glove Award winner at USA. He and former second baseman Zach Grichor, who won the award in 2010, are the only Jaguar recipients of the award. Billingsley is also the only Gold Glove winner from 2015 to receive the honor a second straight year.

"It is such an honor to be recognized by the ABCA," Billingsley said. "God has blessed me so much, and I can't thank Him enough for that. I am so grateful for my teammates and coaches, and appreciative to the ABCA All-America committee for this award. A Gold Glove is a special thing, and I am grateful to everyone involved in the selection process."

Billingsley was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He batted .297 with 12 doubles, three triples, one home run, 41 RBI, 36 runs scored and 31 stolen bases in 64 games this season while helping lead the Jaguars to their second straight SBC championship as well as an NCAA Regional appearance.

"We are so proud of Cole and what he has accomplished," USA head coach Mark Calvi said. "He is an extremely hard worker and great leader on and off the field. His playing ability speaks for itself, but he is one of the best kids I have been around in this game. Cole is a guy of high character; you couldn't give this award to a better person and we are super happy for him."

Billingsley was one of just nine student-athletes and one of only three outfielders in Division I to be named to the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Team.

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