Zion Rose has distinguished himself as a dynamic leader on and off the field for the Louisville Cardinals baseball team. In 2025, he was an integral part of Louisville’s run to the College World Series, starting all 66 games and delivering one of the most complete seasons in the ACC. Rose hit .310 with 16 doubles, three triples, and 13 home runs while leading the Cardinals with 67 RBIs. He added 64 runs scored and 31 stolen bases, ranking fourth in the ACC in steals and among the league leaders in RBIs, triples, runs, hits, and total bases. Zion’s performance earned him first-team All-ACC honors.

In the classroom, Rose was equally exceptional, earning Academic All-ACC recognition, College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors, and the 2025 NCAA Elite 90 Award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest GPA among College World Series participants. He also represented his country on the USA Collegiate National Team following the season.

Beyond baseball, Rose is deeply committed to service. He has volunteered with Special Olympics in Chicago, supported families in need through the Players’ Alliance Thanksgiving turkey drive, and participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, visiting an all-girls orphanage and serving local communities. In Louisville, he has volunteered with Volunteers of America, the Miracle League, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and local hospitals and schools. Rose believes strongly in servant leadership and consistently seeks opportunities to uplift others, making a lasting impact in every community he serves.

“Zion has been a leader, not only on the baseball team, but on this campus since he arrived. Being voted team captain in his sophomore year demonstrated his ability to serve others. To compete and do whatever he can to help his team win is why it comes naturally for him to constantly be volunteering his time to serve in this community. Our baseball program has a reputation for community service and partnering with several organizations, such as Gilda’s Club, St. Joe’s Orphanage, The Lord’s Kitchen, Miracle League, and the Susan G. Komen Walk. What’s been so impressive with Zion is his desire to serve other organizations on his own over the past couple of years.”

—Dan McDonnell, University of Louisville baseball head coach