FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following the program's first-ever national title a year ago, defending champion Nova Southeastern has been selected to lead the way once again in the Sunshine State Conference according to the league's coaches. The Sharks paced the preseason poll, announced Thursday, receiving 64 total votes along with six of the nine first-place tallies.
 
Reigning national coach of the year Greg Brown returns for his seventh season in charge of Nova Southeastern, and brings back with him the nucleus of a club that finished 2016 on a remarkable 33-6 tear. Among that group includes senior All-American Brandon Gomez, who registered 21 home runs and 75 RBIs last season, along with double-play duo Dylan Woods and Jancarlos Cintron-Torres up the middle. The Sharks have also added plenty of talent in Jeremy Vasquez from the University of Florida and former University of Miami arms Derik Beauprez and Devin Meyer, giving Brown plenty to be excited about.     
 
"On the mound, we have guys like Beauprez and Meyer, who I think are going to be impact arms for us," Brown said. "Then, the fact that we are able to return so many starters offensively is a very exciting thing. I think we have a great shot at being a contender just based on our core, but we're going to need all of the things that come with winning which is execution, confidence and sometimes a little luck."
 
After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the 17^th consecutive year in 2016, Tampa has been selected to finish just behind the Sharks in the standings, earning the final three first-place votes. Florida Southern and Lynn each collected an identical 44 total votes to tie for third, while Florida Tech rounded out the Top-5 with 38 votes of its own.
 
"We're going to be playing with a little more of a target on our back," Brown added. "I think we've been identified as a very strong program in the past, but obviously having the ultimate victory that we had last year changes the way teams will play us a little bit. I think understanding how to manage expectations, understanding how to become champions on and off the field, are all things we strive for year in and year out even if we don't win a national championship. We're going to keep progressing in that manner, and maintain our focus on the little things that make us who we are."
 
NSU will open up its 2017 campaign at home against Tusculum on Friday, February 3. To stay up-to-date with the Sharks throughout the season, log onto NSUSharks.com or follow them on Twitter @NSU_Baseball.
 
 
 2017 SSC BASEBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Rank 1 2 T3 T3 5 6 7 8 9

School (FPV) Nova Southeastern (6) Tampa (3) Florida Southern Lynn Florida Tech Saint Leo Rollins Barry Eckerd

Total Votes 64 52 44 44 38 29 21 19 8