Chad Boughner became the winningest pitcher in UNA history after the Feb. 23-24 game series against KSU.

Boughner redshirted his first year on the UNA baseball team, but he took advantage of his redshirt year, said Mike Keehn, head coach.

“He made the most of an opportunity and did it in a short amount of time,” he said.

Players generally don’t make an impact on the team until their junior year, Keehn said, but Boughner went from his redshirt year to the No. 3 starting pitcher on the team. He quickly became part of the weekend pitching rotation.

Boughner began playing baseball when he was 5. He was able to watch the UNA baseball team play while growing up in Florence and said he gained an understanding and respect for the team.

“It’s an honor to be playing for this team now,” he said.

Though Boughner is humble and gives credit to his coaches and teammates, they speak highly of him for his accomplishments.

Boughner has already graduated from UNA with a bachelor’s degree in geography. He is now obtaining his master’s degree in business administration.

The fact that he has already graduated and is still dedicated to the team makes him a great leader, Keehn said.

The team had an “off day” on Monday, Keehn said, but Boughner still showed up to lift weights early that morning. He knows the hard work that is necessary to continue winning.

“He leads by example,” Keehn said.

The amount of time Boughner has spent on the team has given him the opportunity to be on good and bad teams, Keehn said. He has an understanding that everyone has their place on the team.

“Baseball is a team sport played by individuals,” Keehn said.

Andrew Almon said Boughner is an exceptional teammate.

“He’s a quiet leader,” Almon said.

Boughner is a consistent pitcher and the team can always count on him to produce when he gets the chance, he said.

“As long as we score some runs, we can win a game because we can count on him to keep their score down,” he said.

Boughner said he doesn’t foresee a career in professional baseball.

“After graduation my only hope is to get a job,” he said.

Boughner has enjoyed his time on the UNA baseball team and said it has been a great experience.

“It’s a privilege to play for this university and these coaches,” he said