COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W Athletics honored its own last week, at its 2025-26 Hoo's Who Athletics Awards Ceremony, held in the Rent Auditorium. Recognition was doled out for accomplishments in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.
A complete listing of all of the awards follows:
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
A freshman or transfer student-athlete who made an immediate impact; who demonstrated outstanding performance and potential, and showed growth, adaptability, and excellence in their sport.
FEMALE WINNER:
Ariella Jones (Track & Field)
MALE WINNER:
Tray Huguley (Basketball)
MS. & MR. CLUTCH
A teammate who performed at the highest level in the most crucial moments of competition. and demonstrated composure, confidence, and execution under pressure.
FEMALE WINNER:
Skye Letson (Volleyball)
MALE WINNER:
Zach Johnson (Baseball)
HYPE WOMAN / MAN
The teammate with the most enthusiasm and energy. who boosts team morale and motivation, and demonstrates school spirit and engages others in the program.
FEMALE WINNER:
Adayah Wood (Soccer)
MALE WINNER:
Ridge Harrison (Basketball)
BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Had a game, match, or event performance that stood out above all others, or a statistically or historically significant accomplishment, and displayed exceptional skill, determination, or resilience.
FEMALE WINNER:
Mia Bowen (Basketball, vs. Lyon- 32p/15 rb/2 blk)
MALE WINNER:
Joe Haze Austin (Basketball, first-ever triple-double)
COMEBACK ATHLETE
Overcame significant adversity to return to peak performance; demonstrated perseverance, resilience, and commitment,and made a significant impact on their team post-recovery.
FEMALE WINNER:
Calysia Phillips (Basketball)
MALE WINNER:
Jordan Ware (Soccer)
BEST TEAM MOMENT
A team's most outstanding game, match, or season-defining moment. where they overcame adversity, secured a championship, or achieved a major milestone, demonstrated teamwork and execution.
FEMALE WINNER: Volleyball (sweeping Blackburn in the first-ever SLIAC playoff game)
MALE WINNER: Basketball (winning SLIAC championship game)
TEAM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Community Engagement Award goes to the team with the most hours dedicated to community service or outreach, actively engages in service projects, mentorship, or fundraising efforts, and represents the school and team positively in the community.
WINNER: Softball Team (540 hours of community service, thus far in 2025-26)
FRIEND OF THE OWLS
Has made significant contributions to the athletics department through financial support, mentorship, or advocacy; actively involved in the growth and success of student-athletes, and demonstrates unwavering commitment to one or all programs.
WINNER: Andrew Moneymaker, Director of Housing & Residence Life
TEAM ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Academic Excellence Award goes to the team with the highest cumulative team GPA; demonstrates commitment to academic excellence and study habits, and are recognized for balancing academic and athletic efforts.
WINNER: Women's Soccer (3.55 grade point average)
OWL\ OF THE YEAR
The Owl of the Year is an athlete who exemplifies teamwork, leadership, and dedication; \demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and integrity.
makes significant contributions to team success on and off the field.
FEMALE TEAM WINNERS:
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Conley Langford - Basketball
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Alaina Mathis - Cross Country
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Sara Grace Ramey - Golf
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Avery Bartlett - Soccer
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Kaitlyn Bearley - Softball
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Alaina Mathis - Tennis
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Ariella Jones - Track and Field
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Kinsley Kennedy - Volleyball
MALE TEAM WINNERS
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Zach Johnson - Baseball
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Jackson Reid - Basketball
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Jarvis Sellers - Cross Country
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Alexandre Thery - Golf
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Ethan Barnes - Soccer
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Jorge Ortiz Catala – Tennis
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Malachi Morgan - Track and Field
DEPARTMENT OWL OF THE YEAR
FEMALE WINNER:
Kaitlyn Bearley (Softball)
MALE WINNER: Jackson Reed (Basketball)
Additionally, 26 student-athletes were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletics Honors Society. They are: BASEBALL-
Michael O'Neill,
Will Carter,
Charles Poag; MEN'S BASKETBALL-
Jackson Reid; MEN'S GOLF-
Daniel Martin,
Alexandre Thery,
Nicklaus Ledbetter; MEN'S SOCCER-
Kyle Morris; MEN'S TENNIS-
Alvaro Bardales,
Dylan Barber; SOFTBALL-
Addison Owen;
Brianna Byrd; VOLLEYBALL-
Avery Watts,
Megan Neeb,
Bailee Schmitt,
Kinsley Kennedy,
Madyson McBrayer; WOMEN'S BASKETBALL-
Calysia Phillips,
Fantasia Wilson; WOMEN'S GOLF-
Ashley Estabrook; WOMEN'S SOCCER-
Anna McKee,
Emma Hall,
Lucy Warner,
Alison Ragoyta; WOMEN'S TENNIS-
Brooklyn Ward,
Emma Horton.
