DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman junior catcher Maikol Lucena has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 Buster Posey Award, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher.

Lucena becomes one of the top catchers recognized nationally after turning in a standout campaign behind the plate and at the batter's box for the Wildcats throughout the 2026 season.

Starting all 52 games for Bethune-Cookman, Lucena batted .340 with an .842 OPS, collecting 66 hits, 47 runs scored and 46 RBI across 194 at-bats. He added 10 doubles, drew 24 walks and was hit by 17 pitches en route to posting a .450 on-base percentage.

Defensively, Lucena continued to establish himself as one of the premier catchers in all of Division I. Lucena threw out 23 would-be base stealers, one of the top marks among all backstops this season. He also recorded 314 putouts and 70 assists with just five errors for a .987 fielding percentage.

The Buster Posey Award is regarded as one of college baseball's top individual honors and recognizes the nation's best catcher based on offensive production, defensive ability and leadership.

Finalists for the award will be announced on Monday, June 1st.