COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College athletic department honored its student-athletes at its annual athletic awards banquet on Monday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

Men's basketball senior center Marcus Goode received the John E. Brown Award for the second year in a row. The award is named after the former legendary coach and athletic director, who spent 32 years serving Benedict College, where he coached football, baseball and basketball for the Tigers. This award is given to the most outstanding student-athlete.
Goode helped lead the Tigers to the 2013 SIAC men's basketball tournament title and a berth to the NCAA Tournament. He was named the MVP of the 2013 SIAC tournament and to the All-South Region team after leading the Tigers to an NCAA first-round win over Eckerd. He was named All-Region by the National Association of Basketball coaches and Daktronics, and was an All-American selection by Boxtorow.

The Lucius F. Clark award was presented to women's basketball player Monique Weathers. The award is named after the former coach who resurrected the Benedict golf program and is given to any student-athlete who has shown outstanding character and has brought national exposure to the college and athletic program. The recipient also has provided leadership within their sport area, and has shown dedication to help other student-athletes grow.
Weathers, a senior, helped lead the Lady Tigers to the SIAC East Division title and to the championship game of the SIAC Tournament, where they finished as runners-up. She was named to the SIAC All-Tournament team. Weathers, who also was a member of the women's cross country team, was a national finalist for the Arthur Ashe Award.

The winner of the Jimmy Green Memorial Inspiration award was men's basketball player Alex Brailsford.

The award is named in honor of one of Benedict's outstanding football alumni and is presented to a student-athlete who has been confronted with life-altering experiences and has utilized perseverance, dedication, and determination to overcome the event. This award is presented in recognition of Mr. Green's dedication and commitment to Benedict College.
Brailsford suffered a severe knee injury while playing at a previous college, and was also dealing with personal and family issues. He was out of school for a year before enrolling at Benedict. Against Claflin this year, he reinjured the same knee and was told he would need two separate surgeries. However, with hard work and rehab, he has been told he will no longer need the surgeries.

The department also recognized 12 student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA, as well as 105 student-athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

The Athletic Department Most Outstanding Employee Awards went to student-athlete enhancement coordinator and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee advisor Loraine Dunbar and men's basketball coach and Assistant Athletic Director Fred Watson. Special Athletic Directors Awards went to cross country and track and field coach Frank Hyland, Intramurals and Facilities Coordinator William Hatten, Swimming Pool Manager and Intramurals Assistant Fred Thomas and Director of International Programs Dr. Norma Jackson.

The Central Midlands Booster Club presented its special award to baseball coach Selwyn Young.

The Benedict Family of the Year Award went to Mr. and Mrs. Truman and Betty Brightman, while the Individual of the Year Award went to Gary Knight, Vice-President of Student Affairs.

The Most Outstanding Media Outlet Award went to Joe Gorchow of WIS TV 10.

Other award winners

Athletic Training
Athletic Trainer of the Year: Travis Haynes

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Best All-Around: Shaniqua Brown
Most Valuable Person: Annalece Nembhard
Female Team Community Service Award: Women's Track and Field
Men's Team Community Service Award: Men's Basketball

Cheerleading
Most Outstanding Senior: Kiara Hunter
Outstanding Freshman: Kwanteshia English
Most Outstanding Cheerleader: Tiana Marshall
Most Spirited/Encouraging Cheerleader: Carlye Summers

Football
Academic Award: Brian Curry
Unsung Hero: Tremaine Germany-Byrd
Defensive Lineman MVP: Devin Gainer
Linebackers MVP: Kelvin McCollum
Defensive Back MVP: Martin Epps
Offensive Lineman MVP: Sean Kennedy
Running Back MVP: Christopher Johnson
Receiver MVP: Kendariss Brown

Volleyball
Best All-Around: Lorena Leao
Most Improved: Terae Sweeting
Co-MVPs: LaTayvia Mack and Ashley Jackson

Softball
Best Newcomer: Deandra Trottie
Best Defensive Infielder: Cecelia Lykes
Outstanding Pitcher: Kelsey Green
Best Utility Player: Victoria Bratton

Women's Golf
Most Improved: Hayley Little
Most Valuable Player: Kelly Willis

Men's Golf
Most Improved: Rhaulston Jones
Most Valuable Player: Jordan Buchanan

Baseball
Freshman of the Year: Daniel Young
Offensive Player of the Year: Jocquese Brunson
Pitcher of the Year: Yaniel Delgado
Most Valuable Player: Lydell Moseby

Women's Tennis
Rookie of the Year: Belinda Camacho
Most Improved: Chloe Jean-Charles
Coaches Award: Glory Zhou
Most Valuable Player: Jessica Carswell

Men's Tennis
Most Improved: Giovanni Plater
Senior Award: Darreus Wheeler
Coaches Award: Shane Latchman
Most Valuable Player: Zibusiso Ndimande

Women's Cross Country
Running Tiger Award: Mikarla Swann
Rookie of the Year: Astacia Watkins
Coaches Award: Monique Weathers
Most Valuable Player: Jonnise Pierce

Men's Cross Country
Running Tiger Award: Rashad Clarke
Rookie of the Year: Deon Clifford
Coaches Award: Geovanni West
Most Valuable Player: Deon Clifford

Women's Track and Field
Track Athlete of the Year: Chamekea Davis
Rookie of the Year: Astacia Watkins
Field Athlete of the Year: Krishanda Campbell-Brown
Most Valuable Player: Jonnise Pierce

Men's Track and Field
Track Athlete of the Year: Deon Clifford
Rookie Athlete of the Year: Stradford Barnett
Field Athlete of the Year: Tre Adderley
Most Valuable Player: Deon Clifford

Women's Basketball
Best Defense Award: Alexus Jones
Best Offensive Award: London Richardson
Best All-Around Award: Monique Weathers
Most Valuable Player: Brittany Jackson

Men's Basketball
Most Improved Award: Lamar Adkins
Best All-Around Award: Marcus Goode
Rookie of the Year: Brennan Reynard
Most Valuable Player: Xavier Collier

Academic Awards 3.0 or above


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