MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Chowan University hosted its annual Awards Day Convocation on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Turner Auditorium inside the Columns Building. The ceremony recognized students who excelled academically throughout the year while also demonstrating outstanding character and service both on campus and within the community.

The following week, on April 29, 2026, Chowan Athletics held its annual Athletic Awards Show at 3:00 p.m., also in Turner Auditorium. Several student-athletes were honored for their achievements, highlighting a commitment to excellence both in the classroom and in competition.

A full list of honors and student-athlete award recipients is provided below.

BY THE NUMBERS

284 – student-athletes who are members of honor societies
95 – student-athletes in the Honors College
54 – student-athletes inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma (National College Athlete Honor Society)
12 – student-athletes serving as Presidential Ambassadors (13 total)
68 – student-athletes named to the President's List
51 – student-athletes named to the Dean's List
7 – student-athletes recognized as Chowan Christian Service Association Scholars (8 total)
27 – student-athletes named Outstanding Student Award recipients (28 total)
12 – student-athletes selected as 2026 Commencement Marshals (14 total)
99 – graduating student-athletes
33 – student-athletes who received All-Conference honors
2 – Conference Carolinas Defensive Players of the Year
1 – Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year

AWARDS DAY CONVOCATION AWARDS

The Vera Parker Womble Christian Service Award is presented to a student in recognition of their Christian faith and commitment expressed through service and good works benefiting the University, community, classmates, faculty, and staff. This year's recipient was Gabriel Espiritu of the Chowan baseball program.

The 2026 Commencement Marshals are selected from members of the junior class based on academic performance and engagement within the university community. The following student-athletes were among those selected: Lenita Bryson, Mika Buchholtz, Scott Cathcart, Lina Danna, Alexis Denham, Anna Holcombe, Calliope James, Alexandria James-Fearon, Ava Mizell, Addisen Palmer, Nyeisha Savage, and Isabella Turner.

In the Excellence in Leadership awards, Malik Gregory of the Developmental Men's Basketball team was recognized for his service to the Psychology Club, earning the Psychology Award. This honor is presented to a student leader who exemplifies excellence in leadership, commitment, and service.

The Mission and Vision Cup was awarded to Campus Ministry, which includes several student-athletes. This award recognizes an organization that best exemplifies the mission of Chowan University while actively working to advance its vision. Ministry chaplains include Gabriel Espiritu, Jacob Walker, Jada Caruthers, Malachi Howell, Matthew Garman, Jadyn Brown, Gabriella Figueroa, Alauna Wilson-Linn, Bryan Martinez, and Elizabeth Waltz. Members of the worship team who are also student-athletes include Courtney Massingill and C.J. Kuykendall.

Two resident assistants were recognized for excellence in fulfilling their responsibilities, evaluated on leadership, job effectiveness, community service, extracurricular involvement, and academic achievement. Madison Ford (softball) and Seth Mackenzie (men's lacrosse) were honored.

The Presidential Ambassador Award recognized student-athletes Nia Baskin, Harry Edwards, Gabriel Espiritu, Andrew Garrison, and Jacob Walker for their outstanding service to the University.

The Drs. Vaughan and Miles Outstanding Business Student Award is presented to a student in the Department of Business who maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrates strong service and citizenship. This year's recipient was Ava Mizell of the softball program.

The Dr. DeJesus Outstanding Student in Economics Award is given to a student with the highest average in economics coursework and a demonstrated interest in the field. This year's award went to women's swimmer Lina Danna.

The Joseph Lee Parker Scholarship and the Amy Rozmus Hammond Sports Sciences Scholarship are awarded to deserving upperclassmen pursuing degrees in related fields. Marcel Ungerboeck and Joseph Lezeau II were this year's recipients.

The Dr. Seok Yoon Exercise Science Award was presented to Kaitlyn Springle (softball), while the Dr. Garth D. Faile Biology and Physical Sciences Faculty Award went to Karla Artolozaga (women's soccer). The Mary E. Wood Science Award was awarded to Anna Holcombe of the volleyball team.

Chowan baseball player Peyton Clay earned the Raymond Memorial Science Scholarship, selected by the biology faculty.

Women's soccer senior Gracie Ross received multiple honors, including the Outstanding History Student Award, the Charles L. Paul History Award, and the Maria Leonard Senior Book Award, presented by the National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta to the senior with the highest GPA.

The Romey Peavler Psychology Student of Promise Award was awarded to Jadyn Brown (volleyball), while the Outstanding Graduate in Graphic Design Award went to Mya Turner (women's soccer).

The Doug Eubank Award is presented to a visual arts student who demonstrates academic excellence, strong work ethic, high-quality work, and active involvement in departmental activities. This year's recipient was Alauna Wilson-Linn (volleyball).

During the 2025–26 Undergraduate Research Conference, several student-athletes were recognized for outstanding presentations. Nicholas Reiss (baseball) earned the Best Business Paper Award for "Monster Beverage Corporation: Expansion into Caffeinated Lip Pouches." Anna Holcombe (volleyball) received the Best Paper in Biology, Psychology, Sports Science, and Mathematics for her research on prion protein stability. Alauna Wilson-Linn earned Best Visual Display for her work in graphic design.

Four student-athletes were inducted into the Order of the Silver Feather, an honor recognizing exceptional service and loyalty to the University: Lina Danna (women's swimming), Jadyn Brown (volleyball), Mika Buchholtz (men's golf), and Gabriel Espiritu (baseball).

Ava Mizell (softball) and Alexandria James-Fearon (women's basketball) received the Faith in Your Future Award, presented to students who exemplify the University's mission and demonstrate their potential through learning and service.

Landon Heller received the Merit Award, given to a graduating senior who achieves high academic honors while overcoming obstacles. Gabriel Espiritu earned the Estelle Thigpen Superior Citizenship Award for his dedication to the community.

Diana Rodriguez was recognized as Best All-Around Student for her excellence in academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

AWARDS SHOW AWARDS ATHLETIC

CHI ALPHA SIGMA

Chi Alpha Sigma inducted its 11th class into the society this year, marking the largest group in program history. To be considered for induction, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, be a junior or senior, letter in their respective varsity sport during the academic year, and exemplify outstanding character and citizenship.

This year's inductees included: Tyler Adkins, David Alejandro, Nia Baskin, Larkin Best, Lenita Bryson, Marcus Byrd, Jada Caruthers, Scott Cathcart, Peyton Clay, Jade Clowney, Paige Cooper, Jaylen Cotten, Lina Danna, Alexis Denham, Riley Donnelly, KJ Durand Jr., Jacob Ellenburg, Madison Ford, Colin Gifford, Dahleal Harmon, Leeya Harrison, Justin Hill, Anna Holcombe, Bjoern Holt, Kyndal Hopkins, Jerrel Howard, Avanti Hunter, Calliope James, Alexandria James-Fearon, Martinie Kamga, Julianna Kellogg, Madison Kilgore, Luke Krall, John Leary, Joseph Lezeau II, Reed Low, Seth MacKenzie, Destiny Makanjuola, Dimitrije Markovic, MiLani McGill, Ava Mizell, Addisen Palmer, Dillon Rajkovic, Cameron Richardson, Kylee Smith, Kaitlyn Springle, Josh Tripp, Isabella Turner, Marcel Ungerboeck, Victoria Videla, Jacob Walker, Laurence Wallace, Alauna Wilson-Linn.

The graduating seniors of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honors Society are as follows: Gabriel Espiritu, Nicholas Nichols, Ethan Robinson, Willie Bridgers IV, Samuel Tagg, Jeremiah Wright, Jalen Hines, William Hynes, Zach Riddle, Mika Buchholtz, Justin Peterson, Noah Stewart, Harry Edwards, Rocco Smith, Nesuwo Mavindidze, Finley Scott, Calvin Smith, Tadeo Missan, Morgan Baccus, Mackenzie Misenheimer, Abby Rutledge, Hope Soria, Jadyn Brown, Gabriella Figueroa, Diana Rodriguez, Daneesha Briggs, Lily Harrison, Mya Turner, Elizabeth Waltz.

GRADUATING SENIORS

Gabriel Espiritu, Colin Gifford, Ahmaad Goldson, Cody Ives, Matthew Lovitt, Nicholas Nichols, Nicholas Reiss, Derrick Wade, Jacob Walker, Dawson Wiggins, Zackary Wilson, Quinton Freeman, Willie Bridgers IV, Knowledge Broadie, Michael Chambers, De'Arius Hazel, Omarion  Huntley, Nyjal "Jelly" Johnson, Courtney Massingill II, Jalen Razor, Isaiah Sharpe, Maurice Smith, Samuel Tagg, Jeremiah Wright, Jaden Curry, Eric Gordon Jr., Connor Gray, Malik Gregory, Jalen Hines, William Hynes, Zach Riddle, Tekomin Williams, Andrew Garrison, Adam Lankford, Noah Stewart, Harry Edwards, Michael Litchfield, Rocco Smith, Harry Baker, Bradley Binns, Hlynur Fridriksson, Nesuwo Mavindidze, Jamie Moore, Jeevan Purewal, Finley Scott, Calvin Smith, Aleksei Belolipetskii, Tadeo Missan, Tadeo Sanchez, Morgan Baccus, Haileigh Boone, Kendyl Elliott, Kyra Helton, Kyndal Hopkins, Elizabeth Ingle, McKenzie Misenheimer, Hannah Moseley, Abby Rutledge, Hope Soria, Nia Baskin, Jadyn Brown, Lyniah Lee, Diana Rodriguez, Yasmine Brown, Ayanna Rutledge, Feidi Abreu Rodriguez, Karla Artolozaga, Lily Harrison, Laura Hulme, Maya James, Destiny Makanjuola, Gracie Ross, Abigail Simon, Rachel Stetson, Mya Turner, Elizabeth Waltz.

HAWKS TOP 50 AWARD

The Hawks Top 50 Award recognized and honored the top students in each class who earned the highest GPAs, along with six graduate students.

The freshman class honorees included: Derrick Davis, Matthew Garman, Teddy Fee, Cheyenne Forbes, Lauren Weston, Adriana Lightfoot, Hasnae Idrissi, Vanja Romic, Felicitas Grillo, Bryce Koehler, Coley Drew.
The sophomore class honorees included: Hayden Jones, Makai Dorn, Maksim Kachuk, Ashley Beamon, Blair Elliott, Ryleigh Gough, Larkin Best, Paige Cooper, Amy Cotton, Owen Williams, Thales Sette, Rosa Lynn Collier, Makeda Edwards.
The junior class honorees included: Seth Mackenzie, Marcel Ungerboeck, Madison Ford, Ava Mizell, Kaitlyn Springle, Anna Holcombe, MiLani McGill, Alauna Wilson-Linn , Jade Clowney, Riley Donnelly.
The senior class honorees included: David Alejandro, Zach Riddle, Harry Baker, Dillon Rajkovic, Jadyn Brown, Gracie Ross, Mya Turner, Mika Buchholtz, Noah Stewart, Hope Soria, William Hynes.
Graduate school honorees included: Cru Blanchard, Michael Chambers, Twan Kuiper, Dario Mendes Caetano, Maya Schofield, De'Arius Hazel.

HIGHEST TEAM GPA

For the women's programs, the award for highest overall team GPA was presented to the Chowan University volleyball program, which posted a cumulative GPA of 3.53. For the men's programs, the award for highest overall team GPA was awarded to the Chowan men's tennis team, which finished with a cumulative GPA of 3.65.

MURPHY OSBORN RECOGNITION

Each year, Conference Carolinas solicits nominations of student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and within their communities while also serving in leadership roles on campus. From a distinguished list of nominees representing all 16 member institutions, Conference Carolinas selects recipients for the Murphy Osborn Award.

This year's recipient was Diana Rodriguez of the volleyball team.

ELITE 26 WINNER

Conference Carolinas recognizes student-athletes at each championship site who hold the highest GPA among all competitors at the event. At the Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Championship, senior Harry Baker was named the Elite 26 Winner, marking his second consecutive year earning the prestigious honor.

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

Each year, Conference Carolinas recognizes a student-athlete who has overcome a serious injury and returned to competition through the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Each of the conference's 16 institutions selects one nominee to represent their school.

Courtney Massingill II was Chowan's nominee for the 2025-26 school year.

BLUE HEART AWARD

The Blue Heart Award signifies student-athletes who faced major adversity on their teams-whether mental, physical, or emotional-and pushed through those challenges in continued support of their team, teammates, and their respective programs. This year the recipients were: from the men's basketball team Damien Robinson, Dominique Bailey. From the women's basketball team: Keilana Johnson, Aiyani Richardson, Daneesha Briggs. From the Men's Lacrosse team: Seth MacKenzie, Rocco Smith, Calvin Evans, Matthew Ingram. From the Men's Soccer team: Luke Wilson, Brandon Hill, Nick Dubeck. From thre Women's Soccer team: Karla Artolozaga, Takiyah Raynor. From the Softball team: Hannah Mosley, Haileigh Boone, Kendyl Elliott, Madison Ford,Lauren Weston. From the Women's Swim team: Ariana Vizcaya, Sara Taranjanin. From the Volleyball team: Jada Caruthers, Anna Holcombe, Gabriella Figueroa. From the Women's Tennis team: Feidi Abreu Rodriguez, Aime Vera, Marcia Aragon. From the Cheer team: Kaiyah Abram. From the Cross Country team: Feidi Rodriguez. From the developmental Men's Basketball basketball team: Jahkelvin Roscoe. From the Flag Football team: Janaya Perry. From the Golf team: Adam Lankford. From the Football team: Leland Beckford, Matthew Garman. From the Baseball team: Gabriel Espiritu, Matthew Lovitt.

IRON HAWK AWARD

The Blue Heart Award recognizes student-athletes who faced major adversity — mentally, physically, or emotionally — and persevered while continuing to support their teammates and programs. This year's recipients were from the men's basketball team: Damien Robinson, Martinie Kamga. From the women's baksetball team: Jade Clowney, Yasmine Brown. From the Men's Lacrosse team: Michael Litchfield, Harry Edwards. From the Men's Soccer team: Bryan Martinez, Matty Doyle. From the Women's Soccer team: Larkin Best, Kylee Smith. From the Softball team: Kyra Helton, Kyndal Hopkins. From the Men's Swim team: Aleksei Belolipetskii. From the Women's Swim team: Lina Danna. From the Volleyball team: Rosa Lynn Collier, Makeda Edwards, Jada Caruthers. From the Men's Tennis team: Marcel Ungerboeck. From the Women's Tennis team: Victoria Videla. From the Football team: Cru Blanchard, Gage Wallace, Amir Alexander, Jaydin Dilday, Cameron Richardson, Darian Whitaker.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Each coach nominated a student-athlete who demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship throughout the season. These individuals served as positive examples to teammates and opponents alike while displaying integrity and fair play.This years award recipients were: Cameron Walker (Men's Basketball), Aquarius Pettaway (Women's Basketball), Reed Low (Men's Lacrosse), Caron Hill (Men's Soccer), Paige Cooper (Women's Soccer), Kyra Helton (Softball), Quintin Mitchell (Men's Swim), Ariana Vizcaya (Women's Swim), Rosa Collier (Volleyball), Terumasa Inoue (Men's Tennis), Janna Lerma (Women's Tennis), Julius Riley (Cheer), Zoe Scheider and Scott Cathcart (Cross Country), Avanti Hunter (Developmetal Men's Basketball), Dusabe Uwera (Flag Football), Mika Buchholtz (Golf), Luke Krall, Darryl Harris (Football), Nicholas Nichols (Baseball).

ROOKIE CLASS 

The athletic department recognized freshmen who made a significant impact on their teams as starters or key contributors throughout the year. Honorees included: Markell Hollis (Men's Basketball), Keilani Johnson (Women's Basketball), Todd Egan and C.J. Kuykendall (Men's Lacrosse), Cameron Letterlough, Clay Verdin, and Lucas Kibrya (Men's Soccer), Adriana Lightfoot and Amy Cotton (Women's Soccer), Callie Tyndall (Softball), Quintin Mitchell, Stefan Reedy, Michael Grenier, and Christopher Goode (Men's Swimming), Vanja Romic and Sara Turanjanin (Women's Swimming), Madison Henderson, Brooke Hart, and Jy'Asha Cousins (Volleyball), Terumasa Inoue and David De Simon (Men's Tennis), Marcia Aragon (Women's Tennis), Isis Short and A'sharia Short (Cheer), Zoe Schneider (Cross Country), Jarret Mauvais (Developmental Men's Basketball), Nevaeh Higdon and Kiara Arguello (Flag Football), Gabriel Ansley, Chance Lassiter, Bryce Koehler, Harry Jones, and Teddy Fee (Golf), Laurence Wallace, Rodney Green, Jah'siyah Veasley, and Javion Davis (Football), and Jordan Turner, Derrick Davis, and Jacob Howard (Baseball).

HAWKS HELPING HAND AWARD

The Hawks Helping Hand Award recognized support staff, student managers, student coaches, and athletic work-study students for their dedication and service to Chowan Athletics. Recipients included: Recipients included: Joshua Smith, Jaqual Clanton, and Skyler Roughton (Athletic Work Study); Kareem  Jenkins, Omarion  Huntley, Jedidiah  Reese, Cru Blanchard, and Kaleigh Bibbo (Football); Ta'jah Pittman (Volleyball); Saige Roughton (Softball); Ariana Vizcaya (Baseball); Brian Lopez (Flag Football); Estrella Lopez (Women's Soccer); Aaliyah Graham (Women's Basketball); and Collin Croke and Jarret Mauvais (Men's Basketball).

RESILIENCE AWARD

The Resilience Award was presented to the women's lacrosse team for continuing to fight for the sport they love despite their season being put on pause. The group honored included Samiayah Irby, Lana Shoate, Zyian Heyligar, Ma'Kayla Neal, Akijah Castillo, Taneal Peterson, Meredith Lace, Jordan Tilley, Shanidellie Clemons, and Zoe Schneider.

RECORD SETTERS

This award recognized student-athletes who broke single-season, single-game, or career records in their respective sports during the year. Recipients included: Diana Rodriguez — Volleyball, career digs leader (1,958); Reed Low — Men's Lacrosse, single-game points record (16) and single-game assists record (9); Vanja Romic — Women's Swimming, 100 breaststroke school record (1:05.92); and Ava Mizell — Softball, single-season stolen bases record (51).

HAWKS TEAM SPIRIT AWARD

The Hawks Spirit Award went to a male and female athlete who embodied the spirit of joy and happiness despite obstacles or challenges within their sports or their lives. These two athletes showed up to everyone's games and cheered from the sidelines enthusiastically. This year's recepients were Diana Rodriguez from the volleyball team and Damien Robinson of the men's basketball team.

CAPTAIN CLUTCH

The Captain Clutch Award honored student-athletes who delivered in the biggest moments, whether through extra effort, game-winning plays, or stepping up when their team needed them most.

Recipients included: Kylee Smith, Laura Hulme, and Riley Donnelly (Women's Soccer); Jeevan Purewal, Cameron Letterlough, and Harry Baker (Men's Soccer); Antwone Godley (Football); Ahmaad Goldson, Jordan Turner, and KJ Durand Jr. (Baseball); Eric Gordon Jr., Damien Robinson, and Damerius Summers (Men's Basketball); Desiree Askew and Yasmine Brown (Women's Basketball); Kyra Helton, Hope Soria, and Lenita Bryson (Softball); Reed Low, Todd Egan, Justin Hill, and Michael Litchfield (Men's Lacrosse); Dimitrije Markovic (Men's Swimming); Gabriel Ansley (Men's Golf); David De Simon (Men's Tennis); Feidi Abreu Rodriguez (Women's Tennis); Anna Holcombe and Rosa Lynn Collier (Volleyball); and Nevaeh Higdon and Janaya Perry (Flag Football).

GAME CHANGERS

The Game Changer Award recognized student-athletes who shifted the culture of their teams, elevated expectations, and inspired those around them through their impact and leadership.

This year's recipients were: Destiny Makanjuola (Women's Soccer); Knowledge Broadie, Isaiah Sharpe, and Michael Chambers (Football); Julius Riley (Cross Country); Abby Rutledge, Makenzi Curry, and Ava Mizell (Softball); Aleksei Belolipetskii and Robert Liz Cabrera (Men's Swimming); Vanja Romic (Women's Swimming); Lucas Kibrya (Men's Soccer); Rocco Smith and Harry Edwards (Men's Lacrosse); and Ayanna Rutledge and Alexandria James-Fearon (Women's Basketball).

TOP PLAYS

The Top Plays Award recognized student-athletes who produced highlight-reel moments throughout the season.

This year's recipients included: Antwone Godley for an 82-yard kickoff return touchdown for the win over Erksine; the CU Football offense for a game-winning 75-yard drive against Shorter; Yasmine Brown for a buzzer-beater and the game against Barton; Jamie Moore for a bicycle-kick goal against Barton at home; Cameron Letterlough for a game-winner at Barton; Rosa Lynn Collier for five consecutive kills at Erskine leading to the win; Markell Hollis for a highlight dunk against Barton; Todd Egan for a game-winning goal against Tiffin for the 12-11; Ahmaad Goldson for recording 10 strikeouts in an 11-5 win over Ferrum on Feb. 21, 2026; Lenita Bryson for a walk-off two-RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Ferrum 6-5; Abby Rutledge for recording her fifth save of the season in a 4-3 win over FMU with two strikeouts in the top of the seventh inning; Mika Buchholtz for a hole-in-one at the Lander Invitational on March 9, 2026; and Chance Lassiter for a hole-in-one at the Patriot Invitational on Oct. 23, 2025.
 

FRESHMEN OF THE YEAR

The Freshman of the Year Award was presented to one male and one female student-athlete who made outstanding contributions to the success of their respective programs.

The 2025-26 Female Freshman of the Year Award was presented to Vanja Romic of the women's swimming team. Vanja set and broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke multiple times throughout the season and earned a bronze medal at her first Conference Carolinas Championship in February.

On the men's side, the 2025-26 Male Freshman of the Year Award was presented to Markell Hollis of the men's basketball team. Hollis averaged 12.2 points per game, helped lead the Hawks to the Conference Carolinas Championship game, and earned Freshman of the Month honors in February.

MALE AND FEMALE IMPACT PLAYER OF THE YEAR

An Impact Player is the athlete who consistently makes the greatest influence on team culture, morale, and overall success. These student-athletes fill gaps, elevate those around them, and make sacrifices for the betterment of the group both on and off the field.

This year's Impact Players of the Year were Nyeisha Savage of women's basketball, the Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year, and Reed Low of men's lacrosse, an all-conference selection and two-time record holder for points and assists in a single game.

MOST OUTSTANDING MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETE

This year's Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Diana Rodriguez of the Chowan volleyball team. The Most Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year was presented to Cameron Letterlough of the Chowan University men's soccer team.