Claflin University Celebrated its Student-Athletes at the Paws & Podiums Olympic Banquet
Gallery: (4-30-2026) 2026 Paws & Podiums Athletics Banquet
ORANGEBURG, SC - Claflin University took the time to honor its student-athletes at the Paws & Podiums Athletics Banquet, Tuesday evening. The Lady Panthers and Panthers were celebrated for their accomplishments in competition and in the classroom throughout the 2025-26 athletic year.
The headliner of the event was the keynote address from Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. She delivered a message of inspiration and hope to everyone in the audience at the event.
Following her inspirational message, each team recognized their top members for their efforts throughout the year. The Claflin University Athletics Director's Award was also issued to the Men's and Women's Athletes of the Year.
The Claflin Lady Panthers and Panthers were honored for more than just their athletic feats. Academic honorees were recognized along with the annual induction of members of the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletics Honors Society.
In addition to the athletic and academic awards issued, there were several other honors issued as well.This year's ceremony also marked the Inaugural Championship Trophy to the Claflin University team that demonstrated the most Team Support throughout the year.
While the ceremony concludes the athletic year for many teams, the Claflin University men's and women's track & field teams, baseball, and softball teams will begin their quests for championships with the upcoming CIAA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championship Meet as well as the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship Tournament. The teams will also await competition in national championship tournaments as well.
For more information Lady Panthers and Panthers athletics, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to
www.athletics.claflin.edu.
CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HONOREES
Women's Cross Country
Gold Medal Kaitlyn McFadden
Silver Medal Jamiya Carter
Bronze Medal Camry Braxton
Men's Cross Country
Gold Medal Grayson Manning
Silver Medal Jakarriez Sanders
Bronze Medal E.J. Washington
Women's Indoor Track & Field
Gold Medal Morgan Coverson-Springs
Silver Medal Jhnyia Knuckles
Bronze Medal Latrice Brown
Men's Indoor Track & Field
Gold Medal Reginald Gore
Silver Medal Jonathan Flemister
Bronze Medal Jakarriez Sanders
Women's Outdoor Track & Field
Gold Medal Morgan Coverson-Springs
Silver Medal Jhnyia Knuckles
Bronze Medal Latrice Brown
Men's Outdoor Track & Field
Gold Jakarriez Sanders
Silver Ivan Taylor
Bronze Dontavius Bonner
Volleyball
Gold (Legacy of Greatness Award) Aryanna Connell
Silver (Answer the Call Award) Kaitlyn Ham
Bronze (Relentless Pursuit Award) Abigail Watts
Flag Football
Gold Laken "Lank" Wright
Silver Jada Watts
Bronze Jamya "J" Kennedy
Men's Basketball
Gold Michael Shuler
Silver Justin Mims
Bronze Ramere Draper
Women's Basketball
Gold Ashari Lewis
Silver Ariel Lucas
Bronze Emaree Hinton
Baseball
Gold Christian Hill
Silver Tyler Gilbert
Bronze Torian Bunkley
Softball
Gold Cydney Cooper
Silver Katelynn Grissom
Bronze Aryana Meadows
Athletics Director's Awards
Male Student-Athlete of the Year Reginald Gore
Female Student-Athlete of the Year Morgan Coverson-Springs
Coach of the Year Malcolm Watts
Special Presentations
Keeper of the Rings Award Michael Pringle
Five Rings Impact Award Dr. Alexis Bailey-Webb
Gold Standard of Service Award Mr. Anthony
