Five-time All-American and Big West Conference Pitcher of the Year Daniel Bibona has been selected as the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award winner for baseball. Determined by a nationwide vote of Division I baseball coaches, members of the media and fans, the annual award goes to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA Division I baseball. Criteria include community service, academic excellence, character and athletic ability. In addition to his on-the-field achievements, Bibona recently graduated with a degree in sociology and a 3.25 grade point average. He's a regular visitor at CHOC Children's Hospital and a member of American Home Dream, a nonprofit organization that assists children with terminal illnesses.

"Daniel Bibona embodies all of the qualities of the ultimate student-athlete. He was an elite student and graduated with honors and has served his community in a variety of ways, including offering his time to the kids of the community and to children battling serious illness," said UC Irvine head coach Mike Gillespie. "Daniel has been a premier athlete too. He was the No. 1 pitcher on four consecutive NCAA playoff teams, the two-time pitcher of the year in the Big West Conference, and an All-American. He has been the consummate worker, and a great teammate who is both well liked and admired by his peers, and he stood out as a leader."

Read more about Bibona's award (story and photo courtesy of UCI Athletics)