FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Athletics honored its student-athletes during the 2024-25 Athletics Banquet on Friday evening.

Director of Athletics Daphnie Johnson brought in legendary guest speaker, Barvenia Wooten, former stand-out Virginia Union University, Hall of Famer, women's basketball and head coach. Ms. Wooten addressed the student-athletes with a wealth of knowledge drawn from over four decades of experience in athletics.

The award presentation began with head coach Brittany Cox recognizing her men's and women's cross country teams, as well as the men's and women's track & field athletes. Elija Taylor was honored as the Most Valuable Runner for men's cross country, while Katelynn Hodges received the same honor for women's cross country. For men's track & field, Cornelius Cooks II was named Outstanding Tracker, and Christian Ector was recognized as Outstanding Fieldster. On the women's side, Diamond Richardson was named Outstanding Fieldster, and D'liyha Austell earned Outstanding Trackster honors. Briana Madison was honored as the Golden Wildcat.

Head women's volleyball coach Tymesia Miller followed with awards for her squad. Benaye Kyle was named Offensive Player of the Year. Dakota Holmes was honored as the team's Most Valuable Player, and Caytlyn Sanford received the Coaches Award.

Wildcat cheerleading naming Karsen Murray as the recipient of the Coaches Award.

Men's basketball head coach Spencer Wright then took the stage to present his team's awards. Jaylen Jackson was named Offensive Player of the Year and Khirus Doucet received the Coaches Award.

AD Johnson and head coach LaToya Jones presented the women's basketball awards. Kimora Wade was honored with the Hustle Award, and Marley Bell was named Offensive Player of the Year.

Men's and women's tennis coaches Willie Foster and Andrew Felton followed. On the men's side, Ayden Anderson was named Outstanding Player of the Year, and Johnathan Allen received the Coaches Award. On the women's side, Avery Harris was honored as Outstanding Player of the Year, while Jorydnn Middlebrooks was given the Coaches Award.

Head softball coach Rufus Green presented his team's awards next. Leah Leonard was named Offensive Player of the Year, and Jasmin Stewart was selected as Defensive Player of the Year. The Coaches Awards were presented to Jennifer Ramirez and Rylie Youngblood.

Men's volleyball head coach Larry Wrather then recognized his athletes. Jaxon Hicks was named Offensive Player of the Year, Taviian Martin earned Defensive Player of the Year, and Isaiah Fedd was honored as the team's Most Valuable Player. De'vonte Payton received the Coaches Award.

The banquet concluded with football head coach Marlon Watson presenting his team's honors. Brandon Marshall was named Offensive Player of the Year, DeJuan Bell was recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player, and Jayden Walker received the Coaches Award.

Wildcat Athletics had a stellar year, highlighted by a regular season and tournament title for men's volleyball, and a tournament runner-up finish for softball. Both basketball teams reached the first round of the conference tournament, while women's volleyball advanced to the semifinals. Football posted a strong season, going 6-4. In cross country, the women finished eighth in the SIAC, while the men finished 13th. In track & field, the women placed fourth and the men seventh in the SIAC standings. Women's tennis finished seventh, while the men placed fifth.

Congratulations Wildcats!