Azusa Pacific University Athletics

2025: Hayes put together one of the most prolific freshman campaigns in program history, appearing in all 50 games and starting 50. He was named the 2025 PacWest Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-PacWest selection after leading the team in several offensive categories. Hayes batted .332 with 63 hits, including 9 doubles and a team-high 19 home runs, which ranked among the top in the conference. He anchored the middle of the order with 46 RBIs and a massive .689 slugging percentage, while also proving to be a premier defender at first base with a .992 fielding percentage (360 putouts, 14 assists).

His season was highlighted by several high-impact performances:

• March 1 vs. Vanguard: Went 2-for-3 with two walks and a crucial solo home run to left-center in the 8th inning to help secure a 5-3 win.

• April 4 vs. Menlo: Launched a two-run homer to right field, sparking a Cougar comeback attempt in the series finale.

• April 29 vs. Point Loma: Recorded his 60th hit of the season, becoming one of only two Cougars to reach the 60-hit plateau in 2025.

• Summer Success: Continued his power surge in the West Coast League with the Nanaimo NightOwls, batting .250 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs in 49 games, earning a selection to the 2025 WCL All-Star Game.

Prior to APU
Hayes arrived at Azusa Pacific as a decorated multi-sport athlete from the Pacific Northwest, having redshirted his first year (2024) to develop before his breakout 2025 season.

• High School Honors: Named the 2023 Skagit County Male Athlete of the Year. In baseball, he was an All-State selection and the Skagit County Player of the Year after batting .382 and striking out 54 batters in 49 innings on the mound.

• Basketball Standout: A dominant forward who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds as a senior, leading Anacortes to a 21-4 record and the state 2A playoffs.

• Scouting Profile: Ranked as the #7 first baseman in Washington by Perfect Game; showcased elite raw power with a 96 mph exit velocity and a 6'5" frame that scouts noted for its high ceiling.

• Legacy: A second-generation Cougar; his mother, Shannon Solway, was an All-GSAC basketball player for Azusa Pacific in the 1990s.

Personal Born on December 1, 2004, Jacob is the son of Brian and Shannon Hayes and has two older brothers, Daniel and Andrew. He is majoring in Business Management and enjoys playing golf and pickleball in his free time.

Fun Fact: Was a high school basketball star who led his team to the state tournament while being named the county's top overall male athlete.