Aaron Shackelford, frankly, did not expect to be in this position.

A frustrating month of February dispensed any notion in the junior’s mind of earning the All-GSAC honor bestowed on him Wednesday in a Golden State Athletic Conference news release.

Shackelford said the Lord showed him in the season’s first full month that he was idolizing baseball instead of viewing the sport as an act of worship. He was playing for the team and he wanted to win, but underlying selfishness existed.

The shortstop also felt pressure to produce in the stead of sluggers like Jonah Jarrard and Mike Sexton, who led the team on last year’s run to the NAIA World Series. When Shackelford hit 14 home runs with 51 RBIs that season, it set up expectations that an All-American campaign would follow.

The February struggles brought his mindset to light. In 13 games, he hit .224 with one home run.

“It was the most frustrating (time) of my life in baseball,” he said.

But …

“That was one of the best things for me,” Shackelford said. “Even if I had continued to struggle, it would have been a great year for me spiritually.”

Shackelford determined he would play for the Lord, and that allowed him to relax mentally and physically. The numbers followed.

Since the calendar turned to March, Shackelford has hit .367 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs in 30 games. He has slugged .745 in that span, helping TMU secure a berth in next week’s GSAC tournament.

“Quite honestly, he gave it over to the Lord,” said coach Monte Brooks. “He tried to do a lot on his own and it tripped him up. His approach is much more joyful and team-oriented (now).”

Mechanically, Shackelford simplified his swing. Early in the year, he swung out of his shoes. Lately, he’s aimed to stay inside every pitch and drive the ball up the middle.

As a result, he’s hit to all fields with power, Wednesday launching a pitch over the head of Marymount California’s center fielder and diving safely into third for a triple.

Like he did this season, he picked himself up off the turf and scored when the relay throw sailed into TMU’s dugout.

GSAC coaches have taken notice.

“It’s wonderful to see the coaches of the league acknowledge Aaron’s talent,” Brooks said.

Since watching Shackelford at Murrieta Valley High in Murrieta, California, Brooks has consistently seen that talent grow.

The coach believes Shackelford, the first Mustang shortstop to earn All-GSAC status since Jon Popadics in 2013 and 2014, has a future in professional baseball.

“I believe he’ll have a pro opportunity,” Brooks said, “but you still have to perform. So the belief becomes reality when you witness the stats and the accomplishments on the field.”

For the complete All-GSAC team and GSAC Gold Glove winners, click here.