Braves Bring Home Hawn All-Sports, Men's Excellence Cups
The UNC Pembroke athletics department was celebrated in May for another successful season when the Braves were named winners of the Conference Carolinas Joby Hawn cup for the fourth consecutive season. A conference title from the men’s cross country team for the fourth-straight year paired with Conference Carolinas East Division championships from men’s basketball and wrestling helped the department to its fourth men’s trophy collecting 83.1 percent of its maximum points. Hawn Cup points are awarded in each sport based on the order of regular season finish and the number of participating teams in each sport. In addition, bonus points are awarded to the tournament champion (two bonus points) and runner-up finisher (one bonus point). The total points earned from all sports for each institution is divided by the total possible points (excluding bonus points) for each institution based on sports sponsorship for each participating sport. 

UNC Pembroke Collects Two Championships, Two Division Titles
The athletics department added more hardware to the trophy cases during the 2025-26 athletic season with the addition of two Conference Championships and a pair of Conference Carolinas East Division titles. The UNC Pembroke men’s cross country team got the year started winning the program’s fourth consecutive conference title, while swimming took home the conference championship for their third-straight crown. Men’s basketball continued to dominate the division bringing home the Conference Carolinas East Division title for the third year in a row, while the wrestling team won the Conference Carolinas East Division as well. 

Scott Byrd Named Director of Athletics
Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings announced in late March that Scott Byrd, a seasoned Division I leader with a track record of building programs, driving revenue growth and elevating the student-athlete experience, has been named as the new Director of Athletics. Byrd becomes the university’s 11th Director of Athletics, arriving at a time of unprecedented and continued momentum for BraveNation — from conference championships to growing fan engagement and ongoing investment in facilities and student-athlete support. He officially assumed the role on June 15. Byrd comes to UNCP from UNC Charlotte. During his tenure at Charlotte, Byrd played a key role in the department’s long-term growth, including helping launch the university’s football program and guiding its transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision — the highest level of NCAA competition. He has also chaired multiple head coaching search committees and partnered on major initiatives tied to facilities, revenue generation and program development. He and his wife, Jenny, have four children: Matt, 19, Duncan, 16, Everett, 12 and Mallory, 9. 

Haskell, Pepe Pugliese Named Athletes of the Year to Highlight Welcome Back Event
Senior Bradlee Haskell was decorated with Male Student-Athlete of the Year accolades, while NCAA National Qualifier Benedetta Pepe Pugliese raked in the Female Student- Athlete of the Year laurels as the UNC Pembroke athletics department welcomed back its nearly 400 student-athletes in August as part of an event inside the Givens Performing Arts Center (GPAC). Baseball’s Seth Willis and women’s basketball’s Stella Mollica took home the Male and Female Newcomer of the Year honors, while men’s basketball head coach Drew Richards picked up the Dan Kenney Coach of the Year crown. The awards put a wrap on the 2024-25 Golden Braves program which was help in April 2025.

Student-Athletes Excel In Classroom, Seven Teams Finish With 3.0 GPA
UNC Pembroke’s more-than 400 student-athletes displayed their academic success again during the 2025-26 year after registering a 2.908 department grade point average. 11 of UNCP’s 16 varsity athletic teams posted a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better during the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semester, while seven of those teams combined to tally a 3.0 across both semesters. A total of 219 student-athletes earned at least a 3.0 GPA during the fall semester, while 224 individuals accomplished the feat during the spring semester. Student-athletes combined to notch 198 honors list and 157 chancellor’s list laurels during the 2025-26 academic year. A total of 48 student-athletes recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall or spring semester, while 12 of those student-athletes maintained a perfect 4.0 across both semesters. 

Student-Athletes Earn Degrees At Winter, Spring Commencements
A total of 70 current student-athletes earned their degrees during the 2025-26 academic year, including 48 that completed their degrees at the conclusion of the spring semester. The athletics department presented the graduating candidate with stoles to commemorate their time as a student-athlete for the Black & Gold. Graduating student-athletes have been recognized on stage during each of the department’s last five annual Golden Braves award ceremonies. 

Four In A Row! Men's Cross Country Brings Home Fourth-Straight Conference Title
The UNC Pembroke men’s cross country team placed three runners inside the top-10 to help the program to its fourth consecutive Conference Carolinas Championship in October. Ed Carney, Kelvin Kibet and Antony Kigen all earned first-team all-conference honors, while Ryan Ibarra and Conrad Robertson both were honored as third-team all-conference recipients. The Black & Gold took sixth place at the NCAA Southeast Regional in November where Kibet was the top finisher for UNCP placing 18th. 

Ormsby Named Coach Of The Year, Carney Honored As Freshman And Runner Of The Year
Following the conclusion of the Conference Carolinas Championship, Dr. Peter Ormsby was named the Conference Carolinas Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year. It is the second year that Ormsby has been named the male coach of the year in Conference Carolinas, but it is his fourth overall Coach of the Year laurel picking up two in the Peach Belt Conference. Newcomer Ed Carney made a statement at the Conference Carolinas Championship earning both the Conference Carolinas Runner of the Year and Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year titles. The freshman took home the individual champion honor and is the first Brave to win the championship since 2022.

Three-Peat! Swimming Claims Third Conference Carolinas Title
The UNC Pembroke swim team won seven individual events and three relay events at the Conference Carolinas Championship in March to help the Braves to their third-straight Conference Carolinas Championship. The Black & Gold did not trail during the four-day event. Benedetta Pepe Pugliese broke the Conference Carolinas Meet record in the 200-yard Breaststroke, while Britta Schwengle eclipsed the Conference Carolinas Meet Record in the 1000-yard Freestyle. The 200-yard Freestyle Relay team of Kennice Greene Fabiana Pesce, Naekeisha Louis, and Noelie Lacour broke the Conference Carolinas Meet Record in the event. 

Pereira, Pepe Pugliese Compete At NCAA Championship 
Sofia Pereira and Benedetta Pepe Pugliese etched their names in the record books as the duo marked just the second time that the UNC Pembroke swim program has sent two student-athletes to compete on the sport’s biggest stage. Pepe Pugliese picked up her second all- American honor placing 14th in the 200-yard Breaststroke. The junior has now made it to the NCAA National Championship in three consecutive seasons. Pereira made her first postseason trip and placed 25th in the 1650-yard Freestyle. 

Wrestling Qualifies Three For Nationals, Bankston Earns All-American Honors
A long-standing tradition continued for the wrestling program as the Braves sent three competitors to the NCAA Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana in mid-March. It was the ninth-straight season that the program has been represented by multiple student-athletes at nationals. Graduate student Oggie Atwood turned in a perfect day at the NCAA Super Region II Championship to qualify for nationals, while senior Jake Piccirilli claimed runner-up honors at the regional championship to make his third trip to the big dance. Junior Logan Robinson tacked up a third-place finish during regionals and qualified for the NCAA Championship for the second time in his career. 

Davis Named Super Region II Rookie Of The Year
Cooper Davis capped off an impressive redshirt freshman season by being named the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Super Region II Rookie of the Year, the organization announced in late April. The Davidson native earned the honor after finishing his season 24-10 overall with 19 bonus point victories (eight pins, ten technical falls, one major decision). Davis brought home a third-place finish at the NCAA Super Region II Tournament to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships, where he went 1-2 with a win via technical fall. Davis becomes the second UNCP wrestler to bring home the award, joining Avery Buonocore who won the award following the 2023-24 season.

Men's Basketball Wins Fifth-Straight Regular Season Title
The UNC Pembroke closed out the regular season winning its final six games to stake claim to the Conference Carolinas Regular Season and East Division titles. It is the fifth consecutive season that the Black & Gold have won the regular season title. UNCP finished the season ranked fifth-nationally in rebound margin averaging 9.6 more rebounds over their opponents. Javonte Waverly, Quay Watson, Nygell Verdier, and Dallas Whitney all earned Conference Carolinas Player of the Week honors during the season, while Moe Bangura picked up Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week honors to start the season.

Haskell Excels During First Season In Chile
Bradlee Haskell finished his first season in LNB Chile - the top professional league in Chile - averaging 22.9 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 4.7 assists per game, while also finishing second in the league with 2.9 steals per game. Haskell played for Boston College Santiago and scored 20+ points eight times and recorded his first professional double-double on April 23, scoring a season-high 30 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Haskell narrowly missed a triple-double in the season finale, scoring 28 points with a season-high 13 rebounds to go along with nine assists. 

Roverato Named Coach Of The Year, Lacour Tabbed Freshman Of The Year
Following the program’s third consecutive Conference Carolinas title, head swim coach Oscar Roverato was named the Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year. It is the fourth year in a row that Roverato has collected the league’s coaching crown, and his fifth overall. Newcomer Noelie Lacour was named Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year after earning all-conference in all events that she swam in during the four-day championship. Lacour is the third swimmer in the history of the program to be named Freshman of the Year. 

Softball Shatters Record Books
The UNC Pembroke softball team went 33-18 on the season to mark the best season since the Black & Gold went 46-14 in 2008. The Braves posted a 21-4 record in the newly renovated facility while posting a 20-8 record in Conference Carolinas action. The Braves finished the season breaking school records in batting average (.329), runs scored (325), triples (26), runs batted in (281), fielding percentage (.958), and fewest errors (60). 

Football Earns Two Player Of The Year Honors
Following an 8-3 season that saw the UNC Pembroke football team play in the inaugural Conference Carolinas Championship Bowl, two UNCP players were honored with postseason player of the year honors. Hunter Turner was named the Conference Carolinas Offensive Lineman of the Year following the season, while Isi Etute picked up Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year Honors. A native of Gaffney, S.C., Turner started every game and helped anchor the offense to average 34.3 points per game. The redshirt junior also played a key role in the UNCP offense averaging 446.4 yards per game and scoring 30 touchdowns in conference play. Etute finished the season leading Conference Carolinas in tackles for loss yards with 15. The redshirt junior also was atop the league standing in sacks with five. Etute had 12 solo tackles for a loss of yards, while finishing the season with 50 total tackles, 28 of which were solo.

Etute Named AFCA All-American, Finalist For Cliff Harris Award
Isi Etute became just the third player in the history of the UNC Pembroke football program to earn all-American nods from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in early December. The Norfolk, Va., native ranked 20th in the nation for tackles for a loss of yards. Etute was also named a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award. The Cliff Harris Award recognizes the top small college defensive player in the country in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. This award highlights exceptional talent and contributions to the game by athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams. This award is generously sponsored by the firm Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, one of the premiere law firms in the nation for over 100 years. 

Lucas Completes All-American Sweep
Redshirt senior Landon Lucas completed a clean sweep of First-Team All-American awards as the third baseman was honored by the ABCA, D2CCA, NCBWA and D2 Baseball organizations. The Bythewood, S.C. native became the first player in program history to be selected to the 1st Team by all four organizations. Lucas finished the year with a .419 (88-for-210) batting average, 20 doubles, three triples, 20 home runs, and 76 RBI, becoming the first Brave to reach the 20 double-20 home run mark since Collins Cuthrell in 2015. Lucas tallied at least one hit in 45 of 50 games and tallied 26 multi-hit games, 24 multi- RBI games, and three multi-home run games. Lucas was named Conference Carolinas Player of the Week in March after going 10-14 with three doubles, a home run, and eight RBI in the series sweep at Southern Wesleyan, and finished regular-season play ranked in the top five in Division II in four categories, including second in hits and fifth in home runs and RBI.

Braves Collect 18 All-Region Accolades
Postseason accolades were at the forefront of the athletics department for the 2025-26 season when the Braves collected 18 all-region honors from multiple organizations. The soccer trio of Freya Lodge Whitham, Mercy Bell and Genie Amidou were all named to the All-Region team, while Lodge Whitham also was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) all-region squad. Football’s Isi Etute, Hunter Turner and JaQuan Albright all picked up D2CCA All-Region honors, while track & field combined for five United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association all-region awards between the indoor and outdoor season. Softball’s Chloe Locklear earned a pair of all-region honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and D2CCA, while Landon Lucas was named all-region in all three possible organizations (D2CCA, ABCA/Rawlings, NCBWA) this season. Baseball’s Ashton Donathan also picked up an all-region nod earning ABCA All-Southeast Region all-defensive team honors to become just the sixth player in program history to earn the recognition.

Evington Breaks Records During Final Season
Natalie Evington capped off her career with the Black & Gold in grand fashion breaking her own school record for most three pointers made during a single game. A native of Red Springs, Evington became the program’s school record holder for most threes in a game after making eight during the second round of the Conference Carolinas Tournament against Barton during the 2024-25 season. Evington followed up her career performance during the 2025-26 season when she knocked down nine triples against Mount Olive on Jan. 21 where she scored a career-high 29 points. Evington finished the season with 76 three pointers to become the program’s single season school record holder. In her three seasons with the Braves, Evington made 354 three-pointers.

Bohannon Selected For WBCA Next Generation Institute
Women’s basketball associate head coach Donald Bohannon was selected to participate in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association 2026 Next Generation Institute – a high-level program for experienced coaches who aspire to become collegiate head coaches. Bohannon was one of three Division II coaches selected for the prestigious program. The Wilmington native finished his ninth season on staff with the Black & Gold during the 2025-26 season. Now in its fourth year, the curriculum of the WBCA Next Generation Institute focuses on the CEO attributes needed to lead a program and be a problem-solver in today’s ever-changing landscape of higher education and the enterprise of intercollegiate athletics. To be eligible for selection to participate in the program, a person must be a current WBCA member, must have at least five years’ experience as a coach, and must be nominated by a current WBCA member. The Institute was held in conjunction with the WBCA Convention. 

O'Neil Hits Milestone With 900th Victory
Baseball skipper Paul O’Neil became just the eighth active Division II coach to pick up his 900th career victory in February with a 13-9 victory against Mercy. A 26-year veteran for the Black & Gold, O’Neil has accumulated 841 wins with the Braves and has won 403 conference games with the Braves as well. 

McCawley Tabbed National Pitcher Of The Week, Earns Region Pitcher of the Week Honor Twice 
Following a historic week throwing the program’s first solo no-hitter since 2009, Kasen McCawley was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Southeast Region Pitcher of the Week and NCBWA NCAA Division II National Pitcher of the Week. A product of Haw River, McCawley is just the second player in program history to earn a National Pitcher of the Week honor, after Branden Kunz earned the honor during the 2023 season. The senior picked up his second consecutive Region Pitcher of the Week honor following a complete game performance and a win over Francis Marion. McCawley is the first player in program history to win the award multiple times in a career and is the eighth pitcher to earn a region pitcher of the week honor for the Braves.

Braves Combine To Bring Home 73 All-Conference Accolades
UNC Pembroke student-athletes combined to take in 73 all-conference laurels during the 2025-26 athletic season. The Black & Gold had multiple all-conference honorees across 13 sports with swimming bring home 14 all-conference honors. Football had 14 players named to the all-conference list, while men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field teams combined to bring home 13 all-conference honors. Men’s cross country (5), wrestling (4), soccer (4), softball (4), baseball (3), men’s basketball (2), women’s cross country (2), and volleyball (2) all had multiple all-conference recipients, while women’s basketball had one all-conference honoree. 

UNCP Brings Home A Pair Of NACMA “Best Of” Honors
UNC Pembroke’s athletics external operations team continued a long-standing tradition when the group took home two “Best Of” honors from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) following a year full of marketing efforts. The team brought home gold in the Community Engagement category for their Hands-Only CPR Initiative with the Robeson County EMS during a basketball doubleheader. The team took bronze in the Student Engagement category for Hot Chocolate and Hoops when they basketball team passed out hot chocolate on the student lawn inviting people to the regular season finale. The department has now claimed 44 NACMA “Best Of” Awards over the last nine athletic seasons. 

Ourdoor Complex Celebrates Grand Opening
Officials at the University of North Carolina Pembroke announced the grand opening of the Outdoor Sports Complex in early September. The complex features a turf field for campus recreation and upgrades to both the baseball and softball areas. Both the baseball and softball complexes now have chairback style stadium seating throughout the whole complex and a new press box. As part of the project, the teams also have indoor hitting and pitching facilities, and received upgrades to their sound systems. Softball received a new plaza complete with bathrooms and a concessions stand with the entire project enclosed by beautiful black iron and brick pillars. Five locations were celebrated during the event with new distinguished names thanks to the generous gift of supporters. 

• Willoughby Softball Field – Made possible by the generous donation from Patricia and Paul Willoughby 

• Campbell-O’Neil Concourse Plaza – Made possible by the generous donation from Mac and Sylvia 

Campbell 

• Robinette Baseball Press Box – Made possible by the generous donation from Kenneth and Claudia 

Robinette 

• Greg and Gail Allen Baseball Bullpen – Made possible by the generous donation from Brad and Twilla 

Allen 

• Ayden Sampson Baseball Hitting Bay – Made possible by the generous donation from Jarette Sampson 

and Carrie Dial-Sampson

UNCP Honors 46th Hall Of Fame Class
Former Braves Club Member of the Year, and two-sport athlete, Dr. Wiley Barrett, two-time wrestling National Champion Daniel Ownbey, ninth round MLB draft selection and all-American Jordan Edgerton, all-American and school record holder Ben Major, three-time all-Peach Belt Conference selection for women’s basketball Natasha (Stotler) Gainous, and the cross country long distance specialist Delton Oxendine were officially inducted into the UNC Pembroke Athletics Hall of Fame as part of Homecoming Week in early October. 

Athletics Department Announces Eight Staffing Additions  
The UNC Pembroke athletics department welcomed eight new full time staff members for the 2025-26 athletic season. Dr. Rosie Cheng joined the staff as the Assistant AD for Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, while Ian Reed and Roxie Aquino also joined the athletic training staff covering football and softball, respectively. Cullen Casey and Leon Eason joined the football coaching staff in full time roles, while Zach Nipper became the assistant women’s soccer coach. Jolan Locklear joined the administration team as the assistant director of compliance, while Derrick Young became the assistant men’s and women’s track & field coach. 

Trio Of Former Student-Athletes Compete For Miss North Carolina
Three former student-athletes all took the stage on the campus of High Point in late June to compete for the title of Miss North Carolina. Former golf student-athlete Alaina Malcolm, who was named Miss Sandhills, showcased her tap dancing with a performance to Thunderstruck by AC/DC for her talent at the pageant. Former spirit squad member, Miss Fayetteville Haleigh Jo Baker, received three scholarships during the pageant. She was awarded the Community Service Impact Grant, the Amanda Watson Bailey Legacy in Business Grant as well as the Dana Stephenson Dixon Woman on Crusade Grant. Miss Ballantyne’s D’Amrah Rowdy, also a former member of the spirit squad, was named one of the top-11 finalists during the pageant. 

Sampson No. 12 Basketball Jersey Retired
Former basketball standout John W. “Ned” Sampson’s No. 12 basketball jersey was officially retired during a ceremony on April 17. Sampson, a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, was a standout student-athlete at what was then known as Pembroke State College playing football, basketball and baseball. As one of the first Native American athletes to achieve prominence at the institution, Sampson set a standard of excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship that has continued to inspire generations. During his senior year, he averaged an impressive 24.3 points per game, showcasing his prolific scoring ability that was legendary throughout Robeson County. A 1953 graduate of Pembroke State College, Sampson was inducted into the UNC Pembroke Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980 and was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also inducted as a charter member of the Robeson County Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. 

Sampson Inducted Into NC Sports Hall Of Fame
Kelvin Sampson was one of 11 honorees to be inducted into the 62nd annual North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in early May. Sampson was inducted with Chip Beck, Heather Bergsma, Louis Breeden, Leonard Hamilton, Tyler Hansbrough, Richard Huntley, John Isner, Norvell Lee, Eddie Pope, and Jerry Winterton. The first Native American elected to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, the Laurinburg native currently is the head coach at the University of Houston. A year ago, he led the Cougars to a school-record 35 wins, a No. 2 final national ranking and the Big 12 regular-season (19-1) and tournament championships. He has a winning percentage of more than 78 percent in 11 seasons at Houston, taking the Cougars to five Sweet 16s and two Final Fours. Sampson had 10 straight 20-win seasons at Oklahoma and reached the 2002 Final Four. He is one of 15 coaches to lead four or more schools into the NCAA Tournament and one of just 16 to lead two different colleges to the Final Four. Sampson graduated from Pembroke State in 1978 with a degree in health and physical education and political science. Sampson was inducted into the UNC Pembroke Athletics Hall of Fame in February 1998. 

Built On Loyalty: Christy Assumes New Role At UNC Pembroke
After 13 seasons serving as the Director of Athletics for UNC Pembroke, Dick Christy announced in January that he would step down from his position following the spring semester. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Christy will transition into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the Chancellor. Throughout the 13 seasons at the helm, Christy’s staff has won 40 conference titles, 11 division titles, one region championship, and four Conference Carolinas Joby Hawn Cups. During Christy’s time as Director of Athletics, there have been seven members of his staff who have been at UNC Pembroke during his full 13 seasons. 

• Lars Andersson – Women’s Soccer Head Coach 

• Michael Blackburn – Head Athletic Trainer 

• Andrea Branch-Jacobs – Executive Assistant To AD/ 

Business Manager 

• Lamar Courmon – Former Student Worker / Assistant AD for Creative Services and Broadcasting 

• Othello “O.T.” Johnson – Wrestling Head Coach 

• Paul O’Neil –Baseball Head Coach 

• Morgan Sheehan – Former Student-Athlete / Assistant AD for Communications & Strategic Initiatives 

Athletics Department Named Finalist For NCAA DII Award Of Excellence
UNC Pembroke was named a finalist for the annual NCAA DII Award of Excellence. The award highlights initiatives that exemplify the Division II philosophy of community engagement and student-athlete leadership. The Braves hosted an Education Appreciation Day during a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader to honor faculty, staff and local educators. The event featured free admission, giveaways, halftime games and T-shirt tosses, while local elementary school students were invited to connect with student-athletes through the Braves Buddies program. Over 1,800 attendees enjoyed a festive atmosphere celebrating education as a pathway for youth. 

Athletic Department Inks Deal With Zaxby's, Renews Partnership With Jersey Mike's
Athletic department officials announced in August that the Braves have completed a deal with Zaxby’s. Under the terms of the contract, Zaxby’s had signage at football as well as men’s and women’s basketball. The restaurant served as the presenting partner for football’s Parents and Families Weekend against Delta State in September. The athletics department also extended a partnership with Jersey Mike’s for the athletic season where the restaurant proudly displayed signage at football, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. 

Lumbee Tribe Of North Carolina Becomes Federally Recognized
On December 18, 2025, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina became the 575th fully federally recognized tribe in the nation with the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included the Lumbee Tribe Fairness Act. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina continues to grow its partnership with the UNC Pembroke Athletics Department hosting American Indian Heritage promotions across football, men’s and women’s basketball and softball. During the basketball season, the athletics department created custom 575 Lumbee Tribe basketball jerseys and presented the Lumbee Tribe with a commemorative jersey during halftime of the men’s game. With the increased partnership, UNCP honored the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina with the Community Pillars Award at the athletics department’s annual awards ceremony in April. 

Braves Send Nearly 400 Student-Athletes To Conference Academic Honor Roll
Celebrated annually as a point of pride for the department, UNCP’s student-athletes registered over 390 Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll laurels during the 2025-26 academic year. Following the fall semester, 195 student-athletes earned the distinguished honor, while 202 student-athletes were honored on the spring honor roll. The bi-annual award recognizes student-athletes who have earned a 3.20 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale following each semester. UNCP has now sent 100 or more student-athletes to a conference academic honor roll for 16-straight seasons. The 2025-26 academic year marked the 12th time in the last 13 years that at least 150 student-athletes have graced a conference academic honor roll. 

28 Student-Athletes Claim Academic All-District Honors 
The Braves combined to bring home 28 College Sport Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Awards during the 2025-26 season. The men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs combined to have a department best seven student-athletes earn the honor. Softball had five student-athletes named to the academic all-district team, while both swimming and volleyball had four. The swim team added a trio of athletes to the list, while women’s basketball and wrestling each had two and baseball had one. To be nominated, a student-athlete must see action in 90 percent of the total number of games. A student-athlete must also have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at their current institution. Established in 1952 and selected by College Sport Communicators, the Academic All- America award is the longest-running and premier honor for athletic and academic success. 

Cash Bash Tops Record Amount For UNCP Athletics
Athletics department officials at the University of North Carolina Pembroke announced in early May that the 13th annual Cash Bash, presented by Scotland Health, raised more than $220,000 for the department’s general scholarship fund. Brian Calabria served as the program’s emcee and auctioneer for the event that featured over 70 silent auction items and experiences and six premier live auction items. The final total from the event was $221,017.08. It is the highest total raised by the event in the 13-year history of the department’s premier fundraising event. The annual event has generated over $800,000 for our student-athlete scholarships in the last five years. 

UNCP Hosts 13th Annual Golden Braves Awards
Four teams were celebrated for their conference championships as the UNC Pembroke athletics department lauded its student-athletes at the 13th annual Golden Braves awards show in late April. Track & Field’s Calen McKinney and volleyball’s Emily Collings were named the Athletic Performance Student-Athletes of the Year for their work in the weightroom, while men’s basketball’s Nygell Verdier and women’s basketball and track & field student-athlete Amanda Sacoto were crowned as the Comeback Student-Athletes of the Year. Longtime supporters Bob and Faye Caton and Sherry and Cory Watson picked up the Braves Club Members of the Year honor, while Mr. Mickey Hunt, Mr. Keith Oxendine and Jamee Freeman were presented with the Changing Lives Through Education Award. The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina was presented with the Community Pillar Award for their continued partnership with the athletics department.