Stefanos Has The Tools

A decorated catcher from West Ranch High School brings plus athleticism and pop to Biola baseball.

June 05, 2018

By: Brandon Taylor, Assistant Sports Information Director

VALENCIA, Calif. --- West Ranch Baseball is one of the powerhouse programs in the Santa Clarita Valley. The Wildcats have won 73 percent of their league games over the past three seasons and have seen multiple alumni selected in the MLB first year player draft in recent years.

Of the many strong contributors to West Ranch's success over the past few years, Christos Stefanos has been one of the blue chip players for the Wildcats, winning Foothill League Player of the Year honors and multiple all-state selections in 2017. As he transitions to collegiate baseball, Stefanos will continue his development at Biola University and looks to make an immediate impact during the Eagles' second season as an NCAA DII program.

"Christos is an exciting player for our program and he has tools we hope to develop quickly so he fits in our lineup right away," said Head Coach Jay Sullenger. "His extra-base hit potential and his arm strength will play well behind the plate and he has the physicality to complete right away as a freshman. I know God has a lot in store for this young man and we cannot wait to see it unfold."

Stefanos played all over the infield for the Wildcats was named West Ranch's Defensive Player of the Year in addition to earning an All-Foothill league selection for the second-straight year. He hit a combine .339 in 57 games between his junior and senior seasons, pitching in 46 RBI's, 20 doubles and four homeruns.

2017 was really Stefanos' banner year at West Ranch, as the Valencia, California native raked in a number of impressive accolades. He was named to the Cal-Hi All-State Underclassman First team, the USA Today All-USA California second team and All-CIF Division I First Team in addition to playing in Perfect Game 17U tournaments for the Chicago Cubs scout team in Arizona.

Stefanos' hobbies include frequent trips to the batting cages and spending time with his loved ones. But he has also used his free time to give back by volunteering at Special Olympics events and by leading physical education classes for children with physical challenges.

Stefanos plans to major in business management when he enrolls at Biola and chose the University for the way it will foster holistic growth in his faith and academics while he pursues his goal of playing baseball professionally.

"I chose to attend Biola because it's a great academic school with a great baseball program," said Stefanos. "I would also like to further my beliefs and values in God and know that Biola is the right place to do that."

Stefanos and the rest of the incoming class of the student-athletes joining the Biola baseball program will begin fall classes in September. More information about all of Biola's incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.

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