SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford College senior Will Stillman was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 6^th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher was the 174^th overall selection.
 
"I am excited to be drafted by the San Diego Padres to begin my professional career," said Stillman. "When I was drafted last year, I knew that I wanted to come back to Wofford for my senior year. It was a lot different this year when I heard my name called because I was definitely going to be playing professionally and it was much more special. I really want to thank my coaches and teammates for setting me up to succeed over the last four years. I couldn't have done it without their support."
 
Stillman, from Charlotte, North Carolina, led the Southern Conference with nine saves. He posted a 3.93 ERA this season, along with 58 strikeouts in 34.1 innings on the mound. In his 23 appearances, he also had three victories and an opponent's batting average of .250.
 
"We are extremely proud of Will," said Wofford head coach Todd Interdonato. "We are glad he was able to improve on his draft round so drastically by coming back to school for his senior year. The Padres got a great pitcher and an even better young man and we know he will represent our program in the right fashion."
 
For his career at Wofford, he is first in school history with 106 career relief appearances and second in school history with 28 saves, plus an overall record of 11-8. He struck out 198 batters in 137.1 innings with 87 walks. He was named All-Southern Conference second team by the media in 2015 and 2016, along with Pitcher of the Month honors for February 2015 and February 2016.
 
"Over his four years at Wofford, Will progressed an amazing amount on the mound," said Wofford pitching coach Jason Burke. "He was an under the radar recruit who came in and worked hard to become the player that he is now. We are happy for him and look forward to watching him play at the next level."
 
Stillman is the seventh Terrier drafted in the last ten years and the first to be drafted twice. Last season Stillman was picked in the 29^th round (861 overall) by the Boston Red Sox. Brandon Waring was selected in the 7^th round in 2007 as the 229^th overall pick, while Michael Gilmartin (27^th), John Cornely (15^th), Alex Wilson (15^th), J.D. Osborne (36^th), and Luke Leftwich (7^th) were also recent selections. Stillman is the highest draft selection from Wofford since Henry Hubbard (5^th round) in 1983.
 
Among Southern Conference players this year, he was the third selected following Mercer outfielder Kyle Lewis (first round, 11^th overall) and Samford outfielder Heath Quinn (third round, 95^th overall).