General | 5/6/2024 11:17:00 AM
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Department of Athletics its own Sunday evening with the annual Bredspy's a Student-Athlete Banquet this time held in the Carl M. Student Center Ballroom.
The event unofficially marks the conclusion of the 2023-24 athletic season, which recognizes and honors the success of the KSU student-athletes on and off the playing field.
Each athletic program presented its annual team awards during the ceremony. In addition, the athletic department also announced the recipients of several special awards.
The event was put on by members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Elite 14
The Elite 14 award that is like the NCAA Elite 90 award, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the SIAC championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 14 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the final site for each of the SIAC 14 championships. Those receives nominations on behalf of Kentucky State were
Kyla Overstreet (Women's Cross Country and Track and Field),
Alexander Monway (Men's Cross Country),
Calvin Shannon (Men's Track),
Isaiah Saleem (Football), Alaycia Smith (Women's Volleyball),
Kolden Okin (Men's Volleyball),
Nya Caruthers (Women's Basketball),
Brandon Hill (Men's Basketball),
Wesley Potts (Golf),
Joseph Esparza (Baseball) and Tess Pelland (Softball).
Freshman of the Year
The Female Freshman of the Year award went to
Jalyn Shelby who shot 44% from the field, 33% from three-point range and had a season high 35 points against LeMoyne-Owen. Male Freshman of the Year went to dual sport athlete
Yumana Lofton who earned a personal best of 6.68 in the 60 meter dash, a 100 meter of 10.5 and a 200 meter time of 22.1.
Newcomer of the Year
The Female Newcomer of the Year went to
Mondrea Williams who shot 43% from the field, averaged 6 rebounds per game, 17 blocks on the season, and a game winning buzzer beater over Clark Atlanta. Male Newcomer of the year went to
Joseph Owens who shot 46% from the field, six rebounds per game, and scored 23 points against Lemoyne Owen.
Coach of the Year
In her inaugural season as head coach,
Amani Williams lead her team to an overall record of 21-7 a share of the 2023-24 SIAC West Division Regular season title. She voted by her peers the 2024 KSU Coach of the Year.
Team of the Year
Women's Basketball earned Team of the Year honors finishing the season 21-7 that earned a share of the 2023-24 SIAC West Division Regular season title and finished as the runner-up in the 2024 SIAC Basketball Championship.
Player of the Year
Gracen Kerr was named Player of the Year finishing her final season shooting 41% from the field, 32% from the three-point range, 130 assists and averaged 17 point per game. She was also named four-time player of the week and was named SIAC Player of the Year.
Jeremiah Owens took home Male Player of the Year he finished the 2023 season with 43 tackles, six sacks and was selected for the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Team Awards are listed below.
Men's Basketball
Women's Basketball
Men's Cross Country
Women's Cross Country
Men's Track
Women's Track
Football
Men's Volleyball
Women's Volleyball
Golf
- All Academic Award: Wesley Potts
- Best Player: Micah Stangebye
- Most Exciting: Rhett Johnson
- Most Explosive Hitter: Jean Marc Chevrotiere
Softball
Baseball
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