It took a lot of hard work and dedication for Chris DeVito to find a starting spot for the University of New Mexico’s Baseball team. But
once he earned his spot he never let it go, establishing himself as one of the best in program history. The left-handed slugger from Chatsworth, California, posted an astounding .375 average (87 for 232) with 16 home runs and 65 RBI as he was a huge reason for the Lobo’s fantastic season. With these great numbers he was recognized as one of college baseball’s best player being nominated for the 2016 Golden Spikes Award. His season high statistics granted him with several baseball awards and accolades including Mountain West All-Tournament Team, 1st Team All-Mountain West, The American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings All-Region 1st Team, The NCBWAA District VIII Player of the Year, The ABCA/Rawlings All-American 2nd Team, and the Kansas City Royals 8th Round draft pick.
But along with his on-field success, he had plenty off the field with a cumulative 3.56 GPA majoring in Exercise Science. He always prided himself in the meaning of Student-Athlete and recognized that the student comes before the athlete. These student successes presented him with CoSIDA Academic ALL-District 7 and the CoSIDA Academic All-American honors.
Most impressive of all, though, he was also very involved with the New Mexico community as he helped serve in the Kirtland Elementary Power Pals Reading Program taking time out of his busy schedule to give as much as he could off the field. He also made visits to the Children’s Cancer Hospital and several Little League Baseball Camps. He was a vital member in helping the community and spreading the Lobo Athletics core values.