WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University athletic department hosted its athletic banquet on Sunday evening inside McNeil Banquet Hall.
Greetings from Student Athletic Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) president Keith Quick and Vice President Semmie Moore opened the show. They also introduced the president (Kayln Cuthbertson) and vice president (Elicia Bryant) for the 2025-2026 school year.
Then Athletic Directo, Etienne Thomas and Chancelor Brown brought greetings and highlighted some key moments of the school year.
After that, the athletic department honored the 2024-25 graduates with their stoles and presented the student-athletes with GPA's of 3.0 or higher with academic medals.

Other big awards included the Chancellor's Award, awarded to a returning student-athlete who has been a sports program member for one complete academic year. This year's recipient was senior, Brooke Higgins, a tennis student-athlete from Charlotte, North Carolina majoring in Computer Science.


The Athletics' Director Cup is presented to the team with the highest GPA in the fall semester of the academic year. The volleyball team received this honor.

Stephanie Davis, assistant head athletic trainer received the Weston Spirit Award, named after Claudette Weston, long-time friend, and supporter of WSSU Athletics, this award is given to an athletic department staff member with untiring team spirit.

The Ultimate Ram award is for a non-athletic staff member that supports the department and student-athletes beyond the call of duty. This year's recipient was Stuart Bamby. The 6^th Man Award went to Todd Davis and Donnay Williams. The C.E. Gaines Coach of the Year award went to Antonio Wells the cross country/track and field coach.


The team awards recipients went to:

Student-Athletic Training Staff:
Most Improved Award to: Olivia Pattin
Rookie of the Year: Ja'miah Elliot
MVP: Sade' Robinson

Student Managers/ Assistants
Rookie of the Year: Jamya Mosley
Topflight Award: Tyrone McNair Jr
Dedication Award: Akiria Kay
D.R. Award: Sequioa Lindsey

Media Relations Interns
Most Improved: Bralyn Johnson
Media Rooke Award: Tre Williams

Softball
Most Improved: Alana Applewhite
Rookie of the Year: Makayla Vinson
Golden Glove: Takara Ware
Golf
Newcomer of the Year: Austin Rickard
Player of the Year: Godfrey Nsubuga
Tennis
Most Improved: Briana Drew
Leadership Award: Brooke Higgins
MVP: Kyla Burns
Women's Flag Football
Offensive Player of the Year: Myla Hoover
Defensive Player of the Year: Skyy Simmons
MVP: Akeylah James

Volleyball
Rookie of the Year: Kamiyah Wilson
Offensive Player of the Year: Malani Martin
Defensive Player of the Year: Jewel Pitt
Player of the Year: Brooke Norwood

Men's Cross Country
Rookie of the Year: Emaije Ambrose
Amon Hustle Award: Cecil Hairston Jr
Most Valuable Runner: Zachary Patrick
 
Women's Cross Country
Rookie of the Year: Kayla Nobles
Most Improved: Jaiyah Nelson
Most Valuable Runner: Elicia Bryant
 
Track and Field
Rookie of the Year: Trinity Brooks
Amon Hustle Award: Elicia Bryant
Golden Horn Award: Brianna Benloss
Golden Horn Award: Olivia Cosby
Most Valuable Athlete: Charnessa Reid

White Team Cheerleaders
White Heart Award: Madyson McDowell
Rookie of the Year: Alaskah Herndon
Most Outstanding: Ayonna Robinson

Red Team Cheerleaders
Rookie of the Year: Jakiyza Franks
Red Heart Award: Mikayla Drake
Most Outstanding Cheerleader: Ahmyra Harris

Women's Basketball
Energizer Award: Jakaiya Mack
Newcomer of the Year: Alana Bisosse
Most Valuable Player: Christina Mclean

Men's Basketball
Ram Impact Award: Stefon Mcleod
Defensive MVP: Abou Camara
Offensive MVP: Tyre Boykin

Football
Offensive MVP: Trevon Hester
Defensive MVP: Justin Fleming
Special Teams MVP: Jahtwan Stafford

For additional information, regarding the Rams sports programs visit the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com.

About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU's curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. Guided by the motto, "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve," WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu.