Spiro Valasakos, from Peoria, Ariz., was a five-year member of the Cougar program.

    During his redshirt sophomore season in 2018, Valasakos appeared 10 times out of the bullpen and was the lone Cougar pitcher with a WHIP below one (0.92). Valasakos tossed 20.2 innings and recorded a 2.61 ERA. Perhaps his career highlight came when he pitched 5.2 scoreless innings against Cal Baptist in the 2018 West Regional first round. 

    In 2019, Valasakos appeared 18 more times in relief for the Cougars recording 19 strikeouts in 21.1 innings. Over a six-game period, Valasakos tossed eight straight scoreless innings while only giving up five hits and striking out seven. 

    As a redshirt senior this year, he was unanimously named as one of the team's captains. He appeared three times, recording 4.2 innings and posting an ERA of 1.93.

    Valasakos was a part of three consecutive PacWest regular season championships from 2017-19. In the classroom, Valasakos earned All-Academic PacWest honors in 2018 and 2019. He is completing his degree in Business Finance this spring.

    Coach Paul Svagdis on Valasakos: "I cannot be more proud of a Cougar baseball player than I am of Spiro. Being unanimously selected as a Cougar captain for the 2020 season is a tremendous accomplishment and a great testament to his ability to lead.  One of my fondest memories of Spiro's career as a Cougar has to be game one of the 2018 NCAA DII West Regional. Spiro came into a game against our rival, Cal Baptist, with us down two runs in the 6th inning. He proceeded to go toe-to-toe with one of the best pitchers in the region for five and two-thirds, not giving up a run or hit to the Lancers, taking the Cougars into the 12th inning tied 4-4. He was a consummate leader and teammate. He put his teammates, coaches, and community first and I am convinced he has greatness ahead of him."