--Courtesy of Whittier Athletics--

Name: Lew Rice
Institution: Whittier College
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Walkerton, Va.
High School: IMG Academy
Major: Graphic Design

Reigning SCIAC Newcomer of the Year Lew Rice did it all for the Poets in the Spring, hitting .396 with power, throwing out five runners from left field and swiping 10 bases. After returning from a two-season layoff, Covid-19 wiped out his 2020 season, and he took 2021 off from baseball to work— Rice was one of the best baseball players in the SCIAC in his first season of collegiate play. Following his outstanding season, Rice earned First Team All-SCIAC, D3Baseball.com Second Team All-Region and ABCA/Rawlings Third Team All-Region honors.

Rice, who has traveled more than 2,500 miles from his native Virginia to attend Whittier, has relished playing in the SCIAC.

“The best part about playing in the SCIAC is the level of competition that we face week in and week out,” Rice said. “I don't think you'll face this many high-level programs anywhere else in the country at the D3 level.”

The Graphic Design major has already found success as a creative specializing in videography and photography, which he came to in high school.

“I fell in love with everything that comes with it,” Rice said. “The places it takes you, the people you meet and, most importantly, the enjoyment I get from being able to be creative.”

In the past year, Rice’s talent, passion and initiative have brought him  opportunities to work with NFL stars Stefon Diggs, Odell Beckham Jr. and Ja’Marr Chase and allowed him to amass an Instagram following of nearly 24,000 followers and counting.

Last season, Rice chose Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” — a crowd favorite in Whittier— as his walkup song as an ode to Rush Hour, one of his favorite movie series. He likes to switch it up each year, so we’ll have to wait until February to know what banger is next, but the outfielder promises to “find another good one” for us.

Aside from a new bop blaring from the Hugh B. Mendez Stadium speakers when Rice strolls to the plate, what can we expect from the star outfielder next season? Well, he is transitioning to center field. This summer, he’s been playing summer ball in Wilmington, North Carolina.

“I have been really focused on that and the responsibility that comes with it,” Rice said. “I’m trying to get as many reps as I can at the position.”