MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State Athletics is celebrating Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman's 25th year with the Mavericks by highlighting 25 outstanding student-athletes who have helped shape the department's history. The next honoree in the series is former baseball All-American standout Jason Hoppe.

"Jason Hoppe was one of the most dominant starting pitchers I've seen during my time at Minnesota State," Buisman said. "He was a crafty right-hander with a versatile pitch arsenal who could pick apart the strike zone and leave opposing hitters guessing about what was coming next. What I appreciated about Jason was not only his ability to get people out, but also his ability to work deep into games and give us innings.

"That became especially important during those long, successful postseason runs, when pitching depth and the ability to manage your staff were such a big part of the equation. Jason was the kind of pitcher who gave his team confidence every time he took the mound, and having someone like that at the front of your rotation is a tremendous advantage."

The 25 for 25 Series recognizes 25 of the most accomplished and memorable Maverick student-athletes from the past quarter century, beginning with Buisman's arrival at Minnesota State in 2002. Over the next three months, the 25 honorees will be announced in no particular order, with 10 unveiled in September and October, 10 more throughout November and the final five in December prior to the Christmas holiday.

"When it comes to athletics, Mankato (Minnesota State) is a powerhouse," Hoppe said. "Kevin's leadership, commitment to outstanding coaches, investment in facilities and support of the community have helped build a culture of excellence. I'm proud to have been a Maverick and grateful for the impact his leadership has had on MSU Athletics. Cheers to many more years of success and raising the bar!"

A native of Rice, Minn., Hoppe pitched for the Mavericks from 2011-14 and established himself as one of the most accomplished arms in program history. In 54 appearances, he compiled a 27-6 record during his final three seasons while posting a 2.14 ERA and recording 287 strikeouts. He also threw 15 complete games and six shutouts while limiting opposing hitters to a .224 batting average across 264.2 innings.

"My time playing baseball at Minnesota State was much more than winning," Hoppe said. "It was about the relationships that were built, the teammates I battled alongside and the coaches and mentors who helped shape me both as a player and a person.

"I came to Mankato wanting to win and quickly learned that success comes from hard work, accountability and everyone working toward a common goal. That's a culture that breeds winning. Those lessons have stayed with me long after my playing days ended and continue to impact me in everyday life. The cleats may be hung up, but the lessons, friendships and pride I gained at Minnesota State will be cherished for a lifetime."

During Hoppe's career, Minnesota State won three NSIC regular-season championships and two NSIC Tournament titles. The Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Tournament all four seasons he was on the roster and reached the NCAA Division II College World Series three consecutive years from 2012-14, finishing third or better each time.

Hoppe earned All-NSIC First Team honors twice and was named the NSIC Pitcher of the Year in 2014. In 2013, he received Rawlings/ABCA First Team All-America recognition. His senior season brought even more accolades, including NCBWA, Rawlings/ABCA and Daktronics Central Region Pitcher of the Year honors. He also earned Daktronics First Team All-America recognition and NCBWA and ABCA Third Team All-America honors.

Following the 2013-14 academic year, Hoppe was named Minnesota State Senior Male Athlete of the Year, capping one of the most decorated careers in Maverick baseball history.