*NJCAA 1st Team All-Academic (2024)

*FCSAA Academic All-State (2024)

Freshman (2024): Ward was a key piece of the Bucs bullpen last season as a freshman, seeing action in 20 games and going 4-0 with four saves while posting a 4.83 ERA.  He logged 31 2/3 innings, allowing just 19 hits while striking out 50, a clip of 14.21 per nine innings pitched. He earned his first collegiate win against St. Petersburg and locked down his first save with two scoreless innings against Central Florida later in the year. Ward was a workhorse for the Bucs late in the season, nailing down three straight three inning saves in his final three outings of the regular season including a three inning, seven strikeout effort against Polk State to clinch a home playoff series for the Bucs. Ward matched his on-field performance in the classroom, earning 1st Team NJCAA All-Academic Team honors with a perfect 4.0 GPA as a freshman. 

High School: Ward earned four letters at South Forsyth High School in Georgia.  

Personal: Born June 21, 2004, he is the son of Gabrielle and Pete Ward.  He has two sisters, Grace (22) and Caroline (18).