Arkansas' Wehiwa Aloy named 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner

Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy has been named the 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner. Tennessee left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle and Florida State shortstop Alex Lodise were runner-ups for the award.

“Since 1978, USA Baseball has honored the top amateur baseball player in the nation with the Golden Spikes Award,” says the Golden Spikes Award website. “The award is given each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship.”

Aloy becomes the third Razorback to win the award in the past 10 years, joining right-handed pitcher Kevin Kopps (2021) and outfielder Andrew Benintendi (2015). He is the fifth consecutive player to win the award from the SEC.

“I’m just truly blessed to be able to have this award,” Aloy said. “Just to be able to play at Arkansas and for the people back at home too.”

The Wailuku, HI native was phenomenal in his second season at Arkansas, as he was named First Team All-SEC, SEC Player of the Year and an All-American along with the Golden Spikes Award honor. In 65 games played this season, Aloy posted a .350 batting average with 19 doubles, 21 home runs, 68 RBI, a .434 OBP% and a .673 SLG%.

Aloy and Arkansas’ season ended in Omaha

Arkansas‘ season came to an extremely disappointing end in Omaha following its 6-5 loss to LSU last Wednesday. The Razorbacks jumped out to a 5-3 lead in the top of the ninth courtesy of a Justin Thomas Jr. two-run single, but LSU responded to put runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the ninth. 

LSU’s Steven Milam seemingly grounded into game-ending double play, but Aloy decided to get the force-out at third instead. Luis Hernandez then made the Golden Spikes Award winner pay for his mistake, as he belted a two-run double to left field to tie the game. Jared Jones then snuck a game-winning RBI-single over the head of Arkansas’ Cam Kozeal into center field, propelling the Tigers to the Men’s College World Series Final against Coastal Carolina.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn defended Aloy postgame.

“The way it all turned out, I guess I would have [liked to seen Aloy try for the double play],” Van Horn said. “I haven’t talked to him about it. I think he felt he moved too far to his right for Cam to turn it. I don’t know. He’s an average runner. He’s not a flyer, but he’s not slow either. So I don’t know.”

Aloy is projected as the No. 17 overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft in MLB.com’s latest mock draft.