PEMBROKE – Three teams were lauded for winning conference champions, while three others were recognized for runner-up finishes at their respective conference championship events, to highlight the night at the 2018 Golden Braves on Monday evening at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court.
 
Jeanna Cube came away as the big winner on the night after being presented with a trio of awards, including a pair of team awards, as well as the Athletic Performance Female Athlete of the Year honor. Wrestling's Eric Milks, who captured all-American honors at the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships last month, was named the male recipient of that award which is given to a student-athlete who fully utilizes the athletic performance program in all facets to maximize their athletic ability, exemplifies the work ethic of a champion and excels in their respective sport due to their relentless commitment to working hard every day.
 
Pembroke native and long-time philanthropist Eddie Mac Locklear picked up Braves Club Member of the Year recognition, while University photographer Willis Glassgow was named the Changing Lives Through Education award recipient.
 
A complete list of Monday evening's award recipients is below. Five traditional awards – the male and female athlete of the year, male and female rookie of the year and the Dan Kenney Coach of the Year – will be presented at the Student-Athlete Welcome Back event in August.
 

2018 Golden Braves Awards
Athletic Performance Male Student-Athlete of the Year	Eric Milks, Wrestling
Athletic Performance Female Student-Athlete of the Year	Jeanna Cube, Track & Field
Athletic Training Male Comeback Athlete of the Year	Faris Teia, Wrestling
Athletic Training Female Comeback Athlete of the Year	Jamie Johnson, Softball
SAAC Most Well-Rounded Male Student-Athlete	Avery Locklear, Basketball
SAAC Most Well-Rounded Female Student-Athlete	Eric Joyner, Wrestling
Changing Lives Through Education Award	Willis Glassgow
Braves Club Member of the Year	Eddie Mac Locklear
Baseball
Most Valuable Hitter	Luke Jackson
Most Valuable Pitcher	Anthony Burke
Men's Basketball
Lacey Gane Hustle Award	Brandon Watts
Most Valuable Player	Nigel Grant
Women's Basketball
Defensive Most Valuable Player	Alecia Hardy
Offensive Most Valuable Player	Nyla Allen
Men's Cross Country
5th Man Award	Curtis Haynie
Most Valuable Runner	Silus Kipkoech
Women's Cross Country
5th Woman Award	Shelby McMurray
Most Valuable Runner	Molly McCann
Men's Indoor Track & Field
Track Performer of the Year	Javon Graham
Field Performer of the Year	J.C. Smith
Women's Indoor Track & Field
Track Performer of the Year	Jeanna Cube
Field Performer of the Year	Lashonda Tate
Men's Outdoor Track & Field
Track Performer of the Year	Silus Kipkoech
Field Performer of the Year	Kory Jones
Women's Outdoor Track & Field
Track Performer of the Year	Lashonda Tate
Field Performer of the Year	Jeanna Cube
Football
Most Valuable Player	Tyler Hinton
Brave Award	Quadrin Williams
Golf
Most Valuable Player	Maddy Corley
Teammate of the Year	Savannah Thompson
Soccer
Most Valuable Offensive Player	Alexis Pittman
Most Valuable Defensive Player	Gina Ryan
Softball
Coach's Award	Toni Nelson
Most Valuable Player	Jamie Johnson
Spirit Squad
Heart of Gold	Asia Wallace-Barthell
Member of the Year	Tosha Ruffin
Swimming & Diving
Tough Bird	Abigail Wood
Most Valuable Swimmer	Megan Hunter
Volleyball
Brave Award	Casey O'Quinn
Most Valuable Defensive Player	Cayce Bell
Wrestling
BraveTough/Iron Man Award	Andrew Colborn
Most Outstanding Wrestler	Rodney Shepard