WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Winston-Salem State University athletic department hosted its athletic banquet on Sunday evening inside Dillard Auditorium and McNeil Banquet Hall.

The event was sponsored by Modern Automotive and the Winston-Salem Police Foundation.

Athletic Director, Eric Burns gave the opening remarks then introduced Pat Terry as the MC for the night.

Pat Terry introduced Chief William Penn to bring remarks and congratulations to the crowd.

This year the Chancellor's Cup Award will be announced at the welcome back event in the fall semester. The finalists are Jasmine Higgins (women's flag football), Chloe Williams (women's basketball), and Jamieson Alston (football). The team that will receive the Athletics' Director Cup will also find out at the welcome back event and the four teams in the running are Powerhouse of Red and White, volleyball, softball and tennis.

Jordan Leak earned the Weston Spirit Award, and the Ram Shield of Excellence Community Service Award went to the Powerhouse of Red and White. The Ultimate Ram award went to DC Henry King, and the 6th Man award went to the ticket office and business services.

The 2025-26 C.E. Gaines Coach of the Year Award went to head women's basketball coach Tierra Terry.

Chancellor Brown ended the night with closing remarks and congratulations to all the student-athletes on a wonderful school year.

The team awards recipients went to:
Student-Athletic Training Staff:
Rookie of the Year: Daisha Crear
Most Improved: Breanna Padilla
MVP: Mikynzie King
 
Operation Student Assistants:
Rookie of the Year: Levion Bass
Most Improved: Darria Mcguine
MVP: Me'shi Mcgowan
 
Media Relations Assistants:
Most Improved: Ladarius Blackmon
Top-Flight: Blake Howard
Media MVP: Hurley "Tre" Williams
 
Women's Tennis
Rookie: Mikayla Stewart
Leadership: Dezirae Black-Macon
MVP: Mckinley Battle
 
Volleyball:
MVP: Holliday Ellis
Offensive Player: Kamiyah Wilson
Defensive Player: Kalyn Cuthbertson
 
Women's Cross Country:
Rookie: Ava Millner
Most Improved: Elicia Bryant
Most Valuable: Ava Millner
 
Men's Cross Country:
Rookie: K'lijah Jackson-Melton
Amon Hustle: Zachary Patrick
Most Valuable: K'lijah Jackson-Melton
 
Men's Golf:
Scrambler: Tanner Frye
Coach's award: Chase Mclaughlin
MVP: Godfrey Nsubuga
 
Track and Field:
Rookie: Ava Millner
Amon Hustle: Jaynissa Cauthen
Track Athlete: Rainn Sheppard
Field Athlete: Leila Henderson
Most Valuable: Elicia Bryant
 
Powerhouse White:
Most Outstanding: Akeria Brockman
Top Flight: Shamaiya Williams
White Heart: Eddilys Hernadez
 
Powerhouse Red:
Most Outstanding: Sydney Sharpe
Top Flight: Ayonna Robinson
Red Heart: Aneya Spears
 
Softball:
Most Outstanding Offensive: Riley Demers
Most Outstanding Defense: Asyah Smith
 
Women's Basketball:
Rookie: Breonna Roaf
Defensive Player: Jakaiya Mack
MVP: Maia Charles
 
Men's Basketball:
Most Improved: Bryson Cowan
Hustle Award: Lance Gill
MVP: Tyre Boykin
 
Football:
Rookie: Zymiere Dempsy
Offensive Player: Ja'quan Kelly
Defensive Player: Jamieson Alston
MVP: Daylin Lee
 
Women's Flag Football:
Rookie: Chakira Generette
Offensive Player: Amyya Brown
Defensive Player: Tyeisha Gist
MVP: Leah "Paige" Bowman
 
Strength & Conditioning:
Iron Ram Male: CJ Brown
Iron Ram Female: Ah'kiyah Pye