Tigerville – North Greenville celebrated its more than 500 student athletes on Monday evening with the Inaugural Trailblazer Awards Ceremony in Turner Chapel. 

The Trailblazer Award Ceremony celebrated a year of excellence, resilience, and achievement across North Greenville athletics. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, and staff to recognize standout performances both on and off the field, honoring those who embodied the spirit, work ethic, and competitive drive of the Trailblazers. From record-breaking seasons to breakthrough moments and team success, the ceremony served as a reflection of the dedication and pride that define the program.

The Community Service awards recognized a top – three for each the individual and team winners. Megan Turner and Julia Machado were tied for third place in community service while Xander Reeves was second. Judy Rose was ranked first with the most hours contributed. Team rankings included women's lacrosse in third, men's and women's golf in second, and men's and women's tennis in first. 

Among those honored on Monday were Megan Turner of women's tennis and Billy Watson, a longtime employee of North Greenville and supporter of NGU athletics. Watson, who is also a former coach for North Greenville was honored with the Legacy Award which recognized him for his impact on North Greenville student athletes past and present. Megan Turner was the first ever Athletic Director Award recipient which recognizes a student athlete which exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in every aspect – both in their sport and in their life. A student athlete who has faced significant trials, yet remain steadfast, resilient, and grounded in faith. 

"With all the hard work and success our programs have put in, it is crucial for us to celebrate together in unity," said Athletic Director Will Lowrey. "The energy and excitement that was present is shaping our culture in real time.  It was a joy to be a part of."

The list of awards, presenters, nominees and winners can be found below. 

Male Breakthrough Athlete (Presenters: Brittany Hendrix, Assistant Vice President of Student Life / Leilani Nelson, Student Activities Coordinator)
Given to a male student-athlete who took a major leap this year. His growth, confidence, and impact have transformed him into a difference-maker and a key piece of his team's success.
Nominees: Lucas Di Pasquale (Soccer), Connor McKee (Baseball), Matt Desmond (Lacrosse) Deshawnk Tompkins (Football)

Winner: Connor Mckee

Female Breakthrough Athlete (Presenter: Pam Farmer, Registrar)
Awarded to a female student-athlete whose rise has been impossible to ignore. Through hard work and determination, she has stepped into a bigger role and delivered in a big way. 
Nominees:  Emma Dennison (Soccer), Riley Shope (Track and Field / Cross Country), Emery Lindsey (Basketball), Aubree Mayse (Lacrosse)

Winner: Emery Lindsey 

Male Athlete of the Year (Presenter: Lelsie Brown, Interlibrary Loan Librarian)
Awarded to the male student-athlete who has set the standard for excellence. Through dominant performances, relentless preparation, and strong leadership, he has consistently risen to the moment and elevated everyone around him.
Nominees: Ricardo Marques (Soccer), Taylor Campbell (Track & Field), Savion Brown (Basketball), Dylan Ramirez (Football)

Winner: Dylan Ramirez

Female Athlete of the Year (Presenter: Dr. Jeff Williams, Health Science Department Chair, NCAA Faculty Representative)
Presented to the female student-athlete who has defined excellence this year. Her competitive drive, consistency, and leadership have made her a force in her sport and a cornerstone of her team.
Nominees: Anna Fiddelke (Volleyball), Ellie Timmons (Track & Field / Cross Country), Andjela Mrvaljevic (Tennis), Karley Green (Softball)

Winner: Karley Green

Team of the Year (Dr. Fred Battenfield / Dr. Donovan Nelson / Dr. Hannah Swartz, Professors, of Sport Management)
This award celebrates a team that didn't just compete—they set the bar. Through resilience, chemistry, and a shared commitment to excellence, this group turned hard work into results and moments into memories.
Nominees: Women's Cross Country, Baseball, Men's Basketball, Football, Softball

Winner: Baseball

Iron Trailblazer (Male & Female) (Presenter: Casey Stewart, Director of Strength and Conditioning)
Presented to the toughest competitors in the room. These athletes embody grit, discipline, and relentless effort—showing up, pushing limits, and refusing to be outworked day after day.
Nominees (Men): Dalton Wilkins (Lacrosse), Jerrick Foster (Football), Ian Squires (Baseball), Nick Tangney (Volleyball)

Winner: Dalton Wilkins

Nominees (Women): Parker Christmas (Soccer), Emma Otto (Volleyball), Isa Ortiz (Lacrosse), Bre'Asia Robinson (Track & Field)

Winner: Parker Christmas 

Highlight of the Year (Presenter: Austin Crenshaw, NGU Hype Many / Student)
This award captures the moment we'll never forget—the play, performance, or achievement that brought everyone to their feet and defined the energy of the year.
Nominees: Ramirez to Washam (Football), Ansley Fowler Sliding Catch (Softball), Sam Ball Kill to upset #1 Seed FMU (Volleyball), Darrien Whitaker homerun robbery (Baseball), Ognjen Vrkic Overtime Buzzer Beater (Men's Soccer)

Winner: Ognjen Vrkic sends NGU to the finals with overtime buzzer beater. 

Coach of the Year (Presenter: Jayne Arledge, Athletic Alumni Relations)
Awarded to a leader who inspires excellence. Through vision, discipline, and belief in their athletes, this coach has built a culture of success and made a lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard.
Nominees: Nate Garner (Football), Landon Powell (Baseball), Chad Lister (Men's Basketball), Michelle Tease (Men's & Women's Tennis)

Winner: Michelle Tease 

Comeback Athlete of the Year (Presenters: NGU Sports Medicine)
Given to an athlete who refused to stay down. Through adversity, setbacks, or injury, this individual showed resilience, determination, and heart in returning stronger than ever.
Nominees: Samantha Ball (Women's Volleyball), EJ Bradford (Football), Austin Johnson (Women's Basketball), Krysten Wallace (Women's Lacrosse)

Winner: EJ Bradford

Freshman of the Year (Presenter: Vlad Sabou, Associate Vice President, Student Flourishing
Presented to a first-year athlete who made an immediate statement. Competing with confidence beyond their years, this individual has already become a major contributor with a bright future ahead.
Nominees: Carter Bobbitt (Men's Basketball), Julia Machado (Women's Tennis), Jaelan Fisher (Men's Golf), Ryder Hamilton (Men's Lacrosse)

Winner: Carter Bobbitt 

Top Newcomer of the Year (Presenter: Frank Eskridge, Associate Director of Recruiting)
Awarded to a new addition who made an instant impact. Whether stepping into a new system or a new level, this athlete didn't just adjust—they thrived.
Nominees: Rodrigo Silva (Men's Soccer), Josh Linder (Men's Basketball), CJ Dean (Baseball), Haylee Whitesides (Softball)

Winner: Haylee Whitesides 

Unsung Hero Award (Presenter: David Smith, Assistant Dir. Transportation & Maintenance)
This award honors the one who does the little things that lead to big wins. Their effort, selflessness, and consistency may not always make headlines, but their impact is felt in every success.
Nominees: Finley Lloyd (Women's Soccer), Jacob Shuford (Men's Golf), Will Hernandez (Men's Tennis), Broghan Barnes (Cheer)

Winner: Will Hernandez 
 
The Trailblazer Award (Male & Female) (Presenters: Dustin Fuls, Deputy Athletic Director / Josh Milner Assistant Athletic Director, External Opperations)
The highest honor of the night. This award is given to two individuals who embody everything it means to be a Trailblazer—excellence in competition, leadership in action, and character that sets the standard for all.

Men's Winner: John Deal (Football)
Women's Winner: Brenna Miller (Golf)