Rice’s Flores Earns National Player of the Week Honors in Houston

Rice University baseball is celebrating a major win this week, and so is the city of Houston. Owls standout Kendal Flores has been named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week after delivering a lights-out performance that helped push the team forward during a crucial stretch of the season.

The honor recognizes Flores’ dominant outing on the mound, where he showcased precision, command, and competitive fire in a way that energized both the dugout and the stands. His award-winning performance is part of a rising wave within Rice baseball as the Owls continue to rebuild momentum under their current coaching staff.

Flores’ Breakout Performance

Flores’ latest start was the kind of showing every team hopes for from its pitching staff. He controlled the pace early, mixed his pitch selection with confidence, and shut down opposing hitters throughout key innings. His poise became the foundation of Rice’s game strategy, allowing the offense to play freely and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

While the season still has plenty of baseball left, accolades like this are more than just individual milestones—they’re indicators that Rice’s development pipeline is strengthening. Flores’ recognition shines a spotlight on the potential within the pitching unit, as well as the competitiveness the Owls are steadily bringing back to the American Athletic Conference.

Why This Matters for Houston Sports

College baseball holds a meaningful place in Houston’s sports identity, and standout performances like this help fuel local pride. Rice’s program has a storied history, including national titles and decades of postseason success. Seeing players like Flores emerge signals encouraging progress for a program eager to reclaim its status among the nation’s most respected.

For fans across the city, Flores’ award serves as a reminder: Rice baseball continues to develop top-tier athletes who can perform on regional and national stages.

What’s Next for the Owls

With the season advancing, Rice aims to capitalize on this momentum. The Owls will lean on Flores’ consistency as they face a series of pivotal matchups in conference play. As the team sharpens its execution, performances like his could play a defining role in shaping their postseason hopes.

This article is a summary of reporting by Rice University Athletics. Read the full story here.