Celebrating Spartan Athletic Excellence at the 2026 Spartan Choice Awards

The Norfolk State Athletic Department celebrated the accomplishments of the student-athletes from the 2025-26 athletic season on Monday night during the annual Spartan Choice Awards. 

2025-26 Athletes of the Year

Anthony McComb III delivered a standout season for Norfolk State, starting all 32 games and leading the MEAC in total points with 548 while averaging 17.1 points per game. He added 4.2 rebounds per contest and logged a league-best 1,091 minutes, ranking among the conference leaders in minutes per game (34.1). 

McComb shot 41.5 percent from the field, 38.1 percent from three-point range, and 79.0 percent from the free throw line, while contributing 96 assists and 34 steals to showcase his all-around impact. He recorded 28 double-figure scoring games, including nine 20-point performances, and earned MEAC Player of the Week honors twice.

For his efforts, McComb was named All-MEAC First Team, earned BOXTOROW HBCU All-America honors, and was selected to participate in the HBCU All-Star Game, solidifying his place among the top players in HBCU basketball.

Jasha Clinton delivered an outstanding season for the Spartans, earning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors along with All-MEAC Second Team and All-MEAC Defensive Team recognition. She also received national acclaim, being named to the BOXTOROW HBCU All-America First Team and earning the BOXTOROW HBCU Impact Award. 

She finished the season ranked eighth in the nation in total steals and ninth in steals per game, while recording the eighth-most assists in a single season in program Division I history. Additionally, she posted the third-most steals and eighth-most points in a single season at the Division I level.

Clinton scored in double figures 24 times, including a season-high 28 points at Campbell, and recorded nine steals against District of Columbia, the fourth-most in a single game in program history. She led the team in assists and steals per game while ranking second in points per game.

MARVIN PRINCE AWARD

Sonia Koech led the Norfolk State women’s cross-country team this season, opening with a 4.2K win at the UMES Hawks Opener, finishing third in the 5K at the MEAC Championships, and placed 13th in the 6K at the Pirate Invitational. 

Atrell Williams has excelled for the Spartans this season, earning silver in the shot put at the MEAC Indoor Championships and posting top-three finishes at the HBCU Showcase, VCU Rams Indoor Invitational, and Indoor Pre-National meet. 

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

MOST IMPROVED - Reagan Chisholm made a strong impact for the Spartans this season, earning MEAC All-Academic Team honors while totaling 131 kills, 60 blocks, and 20 digs with a team-leading .338 hitting percentage. She recorded a season-high 10 kills vs. South Carolina State, five blocks vs. Coppin State, and delivered consistent performances throughout the year.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Ava Berry appeared in 29 matches for the Spartans, recording 94 kills, 83 blocks, and 11 digs. She led the team in total and solo blocks, block assists, and blocks per set, while ranking second in hitting percentage. Berry posted season highs of eight blocks and six kills, showcasing her consistent impact on both offense and defense.

COACHES AWARD - Briana Ellis appeared in 25 matches for the Spartans, recording 32 service aces, 20 digs, and three kills. She posted a season-high four aces against UMES and five digs vs. Hampton, showcasing her all-around impact on the court.

TEAM MVP - Gabrielle Gilbert earned All-MEAC First Team and MEAC All-Academic honors after a standout season, recording the second-most kills in program history and setting the single-season record for total attacks. She posted four double-doubles, including a career-high 26 kills vs. Hampton, and became just the third Spartan to reach 1,000 career kills.

FOOTBALL

MOST IMPROVED – Kaleb Broadbent made a strong impact on the Spartan defense, appearing in 11 games and totaling 43 tackles, including 19 solo stops. He added 3.0 tackles for loss, along with an interception, pass breakup, and quarterback hurry, showcasing his ability to make plays across the field.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER – Thaddeus “JJ” Evans was a dynamic playmaker for the Spartans, hauling in 35 receptions for 501 yards and six touchdowns over 12 games. Averaging 14.3 yards per catch with a long of 70 yards, Evans consistently provided big-play ability and served as a key weapon in the passing attack throughout the season.

COACHES AWARD - Daylan Long was a disruptive force on the Spartan defense, totaling 62 tackles over 12 games. He added 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, while also recording an interception, two pass breakups, and three quarterback hurries.

TEAM MVP - Ethyn “Otto” Kuhns led the Spartan offense with poise and efficiency during the 2025 season, throwing for 2,093 yards and 15 touchdowns while completing over 61 percent of his passes. He delivered multiple standout performances, including two 300-yard games and several three-touchdown outings, while also adding value on the ground.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

MOST IMPROVED - Amira Dailey had a strong season for the Norfolk State women’s cross-country team, posting personal-best times in the 5K and 6K and finishing 13th at the MEAC Championships.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Moamiky Kenneh had a strong season for the Norfolk State women’s cross-country team, posting personal-best times in the 5K and 6K and finishing 27th at the MEAC Championships.

COACHES AWARD - Jahmei Wyatt helped lead the Norfolk State women’s cross-country team this season, finishing seventh in the 5K at the MEAC Championships and posting top-25 finishes at the UMES Hawks Opener and Pirate Invitational.

TEAM MVP - Sonia Koech led the Norfolk State women’s cross-country team this season, opening with a 4.2K win at the UMES Hawks Opener, finishing third in the 5K at the MEAC Championships, and placed 13th in the 6K at the Pirate Invitational.

MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Jemmel Green made an immediate impact for the Spartans, finishing fifth in the 5K at the UMES Hawks Opener, running a personal-best 8K to place 28th at the Pirate Invitational, and placed 10th in the 8K at the MEAC Championships.

COACHES AWARD - Nimporembere Drogba made an immediate impact in his debut season, finishing 11th in the 5K at the UMES Hawks Opener, running a personal-best 8K at the Pirate Invitational, and placing 27th in the 8K at the MEAC Championships.

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY TEAM CO-MVP's

Lewis Too made an immediate impact in his first season, winning the MEAC Cross Country Championship 8K in 24:20.60. He also finished fourth in a 5K at the UMES Hawks season opener and 13th in the 8K at the Pirate Invitational.

Ian Kimutai made a strong debut with the Norfolk State men’s cross-country team, winning the 5K at the UMES Hawks Opener and the 8K at the Pirate Invitational, while also placing 13th at the Virginia Invitational and 28th at the Panorama Farms Invitational.

WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD

MOST IMPROVED - Autumn Burrell helped lead the Spartans this season, winning gold with the 4x400-meter relay at the MEAC Indoor Championships and placing third in the 60 meters at the VCU Rams Indoor Invitational. She has continued her success outdoors, winning the 100 meters and contributing to first-place finishes in the 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Yowome Ayim has made a strong impact for the Spartans, winning gold in the long jump at the MEAC Indoor Championships and placing sixth in the triple jump. She continues her success outdoors, finishing fifth in the long jump at the Bill Carson Invitational.

COACHES AWARD - Essence Shaw has excelled for the Spartans this season, earning bronze in the pentathlon at both the MEAC Indoor Championships and Indoor Pre-Nationals, and placing second in the high jump at the NSU Invitational.

TEAM MVP - Brooklyn Robinson broke the indoor school record in the 60-meter hurdles (8.21) and won the MEAC Indoor title in the event, while also earning silver in the long jump. She totaled five wins in the 60-meter hurdles and 12 top-10 finishes during the indoor season and has continued her success outdoors with two wins in the 100-meter hurdles and one in the 100 meters.

MEN'S TRACK & FIELD

MOST IMPROVED - Christopher Basking has made a strong impact this season, earning bronze in the 60 meters at the MEAC Indoor Championships, placing fifth in the 200-meter prelims, and posting top-six finishes at the Penn State National Open and HBCU Showcase.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Daniel Mathenge made an immediate impact for the Spartans, winning gold in the 3,000- and 5,000-meter events at the MEAC Indoor Championships and earning Most Outstanding Runner honors. He continued his success outdoors with first-place finishes in the 5,000 meters at the Bill Carson Invitational and the 1,500 meters at the NSU Invitational.

COACHES AWARD - Kristopher Stephens had a standout season for the Spartans, earning MEAC Indoor silver in the triple jump and bronze in the high jump, while winning the triple jump at the Penn State National Open and HBCU Showcase. He’s continued his success outdoors, winning the triple jump at the NSU Invitational and placing third in both the long jump and high jump at the Bill Carson Invitational.

TEAM MVP - Kendrick Winfield captured MEAC Indoor titles in the 200 and 400 meters while posting seven top-10 finishes during the indoor season. He has continued that success outdoors, winning the 400 meters in back-to-back meets and adding two top-five finishes in the 200 meters.

BOWLING

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER – Savannah Stover put together a solid season for the Spartans, totaling over 4,700 pins in traditional play while averaging 147.7 pins per game. She recorded a season-high 191 and delivered consistent performances across multiple tournaments. Stover also contributed in Baker play with over 1,200 pins.

COACHES AWARD - Grace Geluso delivered a strong season for the Spartans, totaling over 5,500 pins across 37 traditional games while averaging 149.1 pins per game. She recorded multiple standout performances, including several 200+ games and a season-high 212, showcasing her scoring ability throughout the year. Geluso also made a significant impact in Baker play, adding 1,800+ pins.

TEAM MVP - LaShauna Burrus delivered a strong season for the Spartans, totaling over 5,000 pins across 32 traditional games while averaging 156.7 pins per game. She recorded multiple high performances throughout the year, including a season-best 198. Burrus also contributed in Baker play, adding 1,282 pins and helping anchor the Spartans’ lineup with steady production all season long.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

MOST IMPROVED – Devon Ellis was a consistent presence in the Spartans’ lineup, starting all 32 games and averaging 11.1 points per contest. He shot an efficient 54.7 percent from the field while adding 4.4 rebounds per game, totaling 140 boards on the season. Ellis also contributed across the board with 66 assists, 41 steals, and 21 blocks.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER – Elijah Jamison, the MEAC Sixth Man of the Year and an All-MEAC Second Team selection, averaged 14.6 points per game while totaling 467 points across 32 contests. He added 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, recording 84 assists on the season. Jamison scored in double figures 25 times, including four 20-point performances, highlighted by a career-high 30 points at the Chris Paul HBCU Classic.

COACHES AWARD – Adrean Newton made a strong impact in his rookie season, appearing in 27 games with 24 starts and averaging 4.0 points and 1.6 rebounds per contest. He shot an efficient 46.6 percent from the field and an impressive 47.8 percent from three-point range, showcasing his perimeter shooting ability. Newton also contributed 43 assists and 24 steals, providing energy and versatility on both ends of the floor for the Spartans.

TEAM MVP - Anthony McComb III led the MEAC in scoring with 548 total points, averaging 17.1 per game while starting all 32 contests for the Spartans. A consistent playmaker, he recorded 28 double-figure games, including nine 20-point performances, while contributing across the board with 96 assists and 34 steals. McComb earned All-MEAC First Team honors, was named a BOXTOROW HBCU All-American, and selected to compete in the HBCU All-Star Game.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

MOST IMPROVED - Ciara Bailey was a key contributor for the Spartans, leading the MEAC with 50 blocks (54th nationally) and earning MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. She averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and recorded a double-double against Ohio State with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER - Cire Worley was a key contributor for the Spartans, averaging 7.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, with a season-high 16 points vs. Morgan State and a career-high 11 rebounds vs. South Carolina State.

COACHES AWARD - LeAire Nicks made an immediate impact in her debut season for the Spartans, averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 46.2% from the floor. She recorded a career-high 18 points vs. UMES and grabbed 10 rebounds at Coppin State.

TEAM MVP - Jasha Clinton earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors, along with All-MEAC Second Team and All-MEAC Defensive Team recognition, while also being named a BOXTOROW HBCU All-America First Team selection and Impact Award winner. She ranked eighth nationally in total steals and ninth in steals per game, while leading the team in assists and steals per game and finishing second in scoring. She scored in double figures 24 times, including a season-high 28 points at Campbell, and recorded nine steals against District of Columbia, the fourth-most in a single game in program history.

WOMEN'S TENNIS

MOST IMPROVED – Elena Martinez-Prado put together a 10-9 singles season for the Spartans, earning key wins throughout the lineup while competing across multiple positions. She showcased her ability to battle in tight matches, collecting four three-set victories and delivering important non-conference wins over Hampton, ECU, N.C. A&T, Wagner and Longwood. In doubles, Elena added five wins with multiple partners, helping secure key points and providing depth to Norfolk State’s lineup throughout the season.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER – Julia Daroszewska made an immediate impact for the Spartans, earning key singles wins while competing at the top of the lineup. She picked up important victories over Delaware State, Hampton, South Carolina State, and North Carolina Central, including a hard-fought three-set comeback win in conference play. In doubles, Daroszewska added multiple wins at the No. 1 position with different partners, helping provide stability and strength at the top of Norfolk State’s lineup.

COACHES AWARD - Yuliya Yurkova owns a 13-8 mark, including a 9-8 record at the top singles position and a 4-2 showing in MEAC play. She has also been a key contributor in doubles with a 14-5 overall record, including a 7-3 mark paired with Klimchuk. She has recorded one MEAC Player of the Week honor this season.

TEAM MVP - Regina Urbiola has been a dominant presence in the Spartans’ lineup, posting a 14-3 singles record while primarily competing at the No. 3 position. She enters conference play undefeated at 5-0 and put together multiple win streaks throughout the season, showcasing her consistency and control. In doubles, Urbiola added an 11-6 record. She has recorded one MEAC Player of the Week honor this season.

MEN'S TENNIS

MOST IMPROVED - Kasper Kulpa posted a 10-6 singles record, earning key wins at the No. 5 and No. 6 spots. He collected victories over Coppin State, Howard, Morgan State, Hampton, and Presbyterian, including several dominant straight-set performances. He also added a key three-set win over Longwood and closed the season strong, while contributing in doubles with multiple partners to provide depth to the Spartans’ lineup.

OUTSTANDING NEWCOMER – Marcin Andrzejczak delivered a strong freshman season, posting a 12-9 singles record while competing primarily at the No. 1 position. He earned key wins over Old Dominion, Hampton, Xavier (La.), and Rider, and went a perfect 3-0 at the MEAC Tennis Round Up. He also added seven doubles victories and recently captured the NSU Nat Warren Tennis Invitational title, going 4-0 in the UTR rankings tournament.

COACHES AWARD - Dominik Simunovic has been a key contributor to the Spartans’ lineup, posting a 14-6 singles record while competing primarily at the No. 4 and No. 5 positions. He finished the regular season strong, winning nine of his last 12 matches, including a 4-1 mark in MEAC play with multiple dominant straight-set victories. He also added five wins in doubles, contributing across multiple flights and partnerships to provide depth and versatility for Norfolk State.

TEAM MVP – Szymon Malecki has been a steady force in the Spartans’ lineup, compiling a 13-7 singles record against a competitive slate of opponents. He earned key wins across both non-conference and MEAC play, going 3-2 in conference action while showcasing resilience in multiple three-set victories. In doubles, Malecki added a pair of wins, contributing depth and consistency to Norfolk State’s lineup throughout the season.

BASEBALL

Early Season Impact Award - Justin Journette continues to establish himself as a leader for the Norfolk State baseball team. This season, he has hit 11 home runs, surpassing 50 career homers, and owns a .350 batting average, ranking second on the team. Journette has also tallied 36 hits, 32 runs, 31 RBIs, and 17 walks, earning one NEC Player of the Week honor along the way. He has helped lead the Spartans to the most Northeast Conference wins in program history. 

Team Influence Award - Walker Fuller has been a key contributor on the mound for the Spartans this season. He has tallied 22 strikeouts over 31 innings pitched, including a standout performance against Delaware State where he struck out five batters in three innings. Fuller opened the season with six strong innings against Towson, allowing just one run while recording two strikeouts. 

Rising Star Award - Thomas Ealey has made an immediate impact for the Spartans this season as a two-way player in the outfield and on the mound. He was named to the 2026 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award Watchlist and has earned the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Week honor once this season. Ealey currently boasts a .349 batting average with 38 hits, 26 runs, nine RBIs, and two doubles.

SOFTBALL

Early Season Impact Award - Maddy Morris delivered an outstanding all-around season for the Spartans, starring both in the circle and at the plate. She posted an 10-5 record with a 1.75 ERA across 88 innings, while striking out 50 batters and anchoring the pitching staff.

At the plate, Morris leads the offense with a .368 batting average, recording 39 hits, 10 home runs, and 28 RBIs, showcasing her power and consistency throughout the lineup. A true two-way standout, she proved to be one of the most impactful players in the MEAC this season earning player and pitcher of the week honors twice. 

Team Influence Award - Maya Johnson has recorded her strongest season yet, as she has set or matched career highs with 26 hits, 15 runs scored, four doubles, and six home runs, totaling 42 bases and 19 RBIs. Over the course of her career, Maya has appeared in 135 games, making 105 starts for the Spartans. She has recorded 53 hits in 249 at-bats, including 14 doubles, one triple, and 10 home runs. She has driven in 43 RBIs, scored 27 runs, and compiled a .313 on-base percentage with 32 walks.

Rising Star Award - Bristyl Riddick delivered a strong offensive season for the Spartans, batting .326 with 31 hits, six home runs, and 25 RBIs. She provided consistent production in the middle of the lineup, recording multiple multi-hit games and driving in runs in key moments throughout the season.

Defensively, Riddick was equally reliable, posting a .969 fielding percentage while anchoring the Spartans behind the plate. A steady presence on both sides, she proved to be a key contributor to Norfolk State’s success this season.