Tyler Stofiel says that the best advice he has received is: "You miss every shot you don't take." Stofiel has clearly taken that to heart, giving it his very best shot in the classroom and as the Chico State baseball team's catcher. Thursday, the sophomore business major from Portland, Oregon, earned Google Cloud Academic All-District honors.
 
A two-time All-CCAA honorable mention selection, Stofiel is hitting .292 and is widely considered one of the region's top catchers. He is also one of the region's top student-athletes. In fact, his GPA is second-highest among all West Region Division II baseball players.
 
"It's a great honor," Stofiel said. "I take a lot of pride in getting my academics done. It's a good feeling to be recognized for something you take a lot of pride in."
 
Stofiel will now be among those vying for Academic All-America honors.
 
According to Wildcats Head Coach Dave Taylor, he's an exceptional teammate as well.
 
"He's an extremely high character guy," Taylor said. "You ask anybody on the team who their best teammate is, it's Ty. Every day after practice he's helping guys with their swing or helping tutor them. He's just outstanding across the board."
 
"To have somebody that's recognized throughout the West Region and possibly Academic All-America representing Chico State is a great achievement. This guy lives it. He lives the academic part. He lives the high level of baseball he expects from himself. And the positive choices he makes off the field. I'm very proud of him and it's great for Chico State and Chico State baseball."
 
Stofiel is also a member of Chico State's Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
 
When he has the time, Stofiel also knows how to relax. He enjoys binge watching Netflix and playing the video game Fortnite. His teammates give Stofiel's Fortnite skills mixed reviews. Nobody's perfect.
 
Stofiel's current plan post-graduation is to pursue a career at an accounting firm. There's one out there with a very bright future.