University of South Carolina junior catcher Cole Messina has been named the 2024 Johnny Bench Award winner, MSA Sport announced today (Wednesday, June 26). Messina was selected by the organization as the county's top male NCAA baseball catcher. A unanimous All-American in 2024, Messina led Carolina with a .326 batting average, along with 64 runs scored, 19 doubles, 21 home runs, 71 runs batted in, 50 walks and eight stolen bases. Messina threw out 13 runners attempting to steal, including three in the Raleigh Regional opener against James Madison (May 31). He was named to both the All-SEC Tournament Team and the All-Raleigh Regional Team. Messina set the SEC Tournament record with 16 RBI in the five games played and hit two home runs, including the game-winning one, in a win over Arkansas (May 22). He was named to the All-SEC second team after posting a .330 batting average with 12 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBIs in conference competition. Messina is one of 10 catchers to receive a Johnny Bench Award. The top female NCAA softball catcher was Jocelyn Erickson of Florida. They are joined by high school baseball and softball catchers from Ohio State, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The 2024 Johnny Bench Awards Luncheon will be held Tuesday, July 30, at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Messina will be honored that evening during the on-field ceremony before the Reds' game against the Chicago Cubs at 7:10 p.m.