Coastal Carolina University’s sophomore catcher Caden Bodine was named the Preseason Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and No. 3 DI catcher by D1 Baseball.

Bodine earned these high praises because of his 2023 season performance. He had an astonishing .367 batting average, racking up 79 hits with 47 runs batted in and 11 home runs.

He was the top catcher coming out of high school in New Jersey in 2022. Bodine said these accomplishments are a great honor.

When dealing with high expectations and pressure due to his success, Bodine stays relaxed and true to his routines.

“Still treat it like you’re a little kid, have fun with it,” Bodine said. Bodine’s goals for himself are to keep doing what he’s doing, but his eyes are set on the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

“The goal for the team is to get back to Omaha,” he said.

Bodine likes to know the team is behind him when helping him achieve this mission.

“It’s just nice to have somebody always looking out for you,” Bodine said.

Head coach Gary Gilmore said Bodine is an incredibly hard worker and has the potential to be a longtime professional player.

“I honestly think he’s one of the more talented, ready-to-go, catching guys that have ever been here,” Gilmore said.

During opening weekend for Coastal baseball Feb. 16-18, Bodine had Springs Brooks Stadium on their feet, proving himself worthy of his status. Out of only 11 at-bats, Bodine has six hits, two of which were doubles.

“He’s been really fun to watch for these first few games, I’m excited for the rest of the season,” freshman Kyle Bennett said.