PELLA— Central College baseball team fifth year senior Dom DeLaPaz (Davenport, West HS) was selected as one of 40 students across the country to attend the 2026 NCAA Convention with the Division III Student Immersion Program.
           
For the 11th year, Division III is supporting 40 students to attend the NCAA Convention through the Division III Student Immersion Program. The program is designed for junior and senior students with a strong interest in a career in Division III athletics. The 2026 convention is in Washington, D.C. January 13-16.
           
Selected participants will engage in hands-on professional development, including DiSC personality training, networking with key leaders in college athletics, and mentorship from top professionals in the field. The program aims to equip student-athletes with the tools, insight, and connections to pursue careers in coaching, athletic administration, and other areas within college sports.
           
A three-year starter at catcher, DeLaPaz has made 101 career starts. He's hit 23 career home runs and was an honorable mention choice for the American Rivers All-Conference team. He won the team's Versteeg Award in 2025 for leadership on and off the field.