2018 Outdoor T&F Season Produce 62 NCAA DII All-Americans from HBCUs

Saint Augustine's University Shannon Kalawan Scored The Most Points In The Women's Division At The NCAA DII Outdoor Championships.  Kalawan was  named NCAA
Division II National Women's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track &
Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

NEW ORLEANS -- All-America honors for the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field season were announced Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Student-athletes earned First-Team USTFCCCA All-America status by virtue of finishing among the top-8 in their events – including as a member of a relay team – at this past weekend’s NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Second-team honors were bestowed upon those finishing ninth through 12th. Ninth- and 10th-place relay teams also earn the distinction.

All-American honors were awarded for 62 top performances by HBCU student-athletes from nine DII institutions -- Albany State, Central State (OH), Claflin, Johnson C. Smith, Lincoln (MO), Morehouse, Saint Augustine's, Shaw and Virginia State.

A total of 260 men claimed 311 All-America honors (217 First Team, 94 Second Team) from 89 different institutions. Saint Augustine’s University Falcons led the way with 14 All-America selections, while the national champion Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelina had 13.

On the women’s side, 234 different women earned 309 All-America honors (220 First Team, 89 Second Team) from 89 different institutions. Grand Valley State had 20 All-America honors to its name, followed by 16 by the national champion Lincoln University of Missouri Blue Tigers.

Saint Augustine’s Shannon Kalawan was the lone woman with four All-America honors, picking them up in the 400, 400 hurdles, 4×100 relay and 4×400 relay.

Shannon Kalawan (So./Westmoreland, Jamaica) of Saint Augustine's University

Shannon Kalawan was named NCAA Division II National Women's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday. She is the first Lady Falcon to earn the outdoor track honor since its inception in 2006.

The award capped a tremendous first season for Kalawan, who took home three national titles and scored the most women's points at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field Championships last weekend in Charlotte, N.C. Kalawan raced past opponents to win the 400-meter dash (52.05) and 400-meter hurdles (57.27) in addition to anchoring the 4x400-meter relay team to victory (3:36.75). She also helped the Lady Falcons place sixth in the 4x100-meter relay. Kalawan led the Lady Falcons to a national runner-up finish with 23.25 individual points.

The honor is the latest for Kalawan, who claimed All-America accolades in four events at the outdoor championship meet. Kalawan was chosen NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Women's Track Athlete of the Year and won five All-Region honors leading up to the outdoor championships. She led the Atlantic Region in five events (200 dash, 400 dash, 400 hurdles, 4x100 and 4x400 relays) and entered the national championships ranked first in three events (400 dash, 400 hurdles, 4x400 relay).

Her 400 hurdles time of 56.99 seconds at the Florida Relays in March was the 13th-best in Division II history. She is the seventh-fastest DII hurdler in the history of the event. Kalawan also drew attention in April at the Penn Relays, where she won the 400 hurdles at the prestigious event.

See below for a full list of those athletes who were named NCAA Division II All-Americans by the USTFCCCA.

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F FIRST-TEAM ALL AMERICANS – MEN

Joshua Ajero Albany State (Ga.) JR 800 Meters
Cervantes Jackson Albany State (Ga.) JR High Jump
Juan Scott Central State SO 110 Meter Hurdles
Odou Hazel Claflin SR 400 Meters
Timor Barrett Johnson C. Smith FR 400 Meter Hurdles
Jakiel David Lincoln (Mo.) SR 4×100 Relay
Kizan David Lincoln (Mo.) FR Triple Jump
Javan Gray Lincoln (Mo.) SO 4×100 Relay
Stephen Rose Lincoln (Mo.) SR 4×100 Relay
Roberto Smith Lincoln (Mo.) SR 100 Meters
Roberto Smith Lincoln (Mo.) SR 4×100 Relay
Shaquille Dill Saint Augustine’s JR 4×400 Relay
Dontarian Evans Saint Augustine’s JR 4×100 Relay
Dontarian Evans Saint Augustine’s JR 4×400 Relay
Damere Gilbert Saint Augustine’s SO 4×100 Relay
Dakarai Hightower Saint Augustine’s SR High Jump
Najair Jackson Saint Augustine’s FR Javelin
Adrian Kimmons Saint Augustine’s SR 4×100 Relay
Adrian Kimmons Saint Augustine’s SR 4×400 Relay
Brandon Valentine-Parri Saint Augustine’s JR 4×100 Relay
Brandon Valentine-Parri Saint Augustine’s JR 4×400 Relay
Brandon Valentine-Parris Saint Augustine’s JR 200 Meters
Brandon Valentine-Parris Saint Augustine’s JR 400 Meters

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS – WOMEN

Renea Ambersley Lincoln (Mo.) JR 400 Meters
Renea Ambersley Lincoln (Mo.) JR 4×400 Relay
Segale Brown Lincoln (Mo.) SO 4×400 Relay
Diana Cauldwell Lincoln (Mo.) SR 4×100 Relay
Diana Cauldwell Lincoln (Mo.) SR Long Jump
Diana Cauldwell Lincoln (Mo.) SR Triple Jump
Shanice Clarke Lincoln (Mo.) SO 4×400 Relay
Rene Medley Lincoln (Mo.) SO 100 Meters
Rene Medley Lincoln (Mo.) SO 200 Meters
Rene Medley Lincoln (Mo.) SO 4×100 Relay
Christine Moss Lincoln (Mo.) JR 200 Meters
Christine Moss Lincoln (Mo.) JR 4×100 Relay
Christine Moss Lincoln (Mo.) JR 4×400 Relay
Shaian Vandenburg Lincoln (Mo.) JR 4×100 Relay
Leah Barker Saint Augustine’s SR 4×100 Relay
Leah Barker Saint Augustine’s SR 4×400 Relay
Amanda Crawford Saint Augustine’s SO 400 Meters
Amanda Crawford Saint Augustine’s SO 4×100 Relay
Amanda Crawford Saint Augustine’s SO 4×400 Relay
Ade Hunter Saint Augustine’s SR 4×100 Relay
Ade Hunter Saint Augustine’s SR 4×400 Relay
Shannon Kalawan Saint Augustine’s SO 400 Meters
Shannon Kalawan Saint Augustine’s SO 400 Meter Hurdles
Shannon Kalawan Saint Augustine’s SO 4×100 Relay
Shannon Kalawan Saint Augustine’s SO 4×400 Relay
Magaly Tshipopo Saint Augustine’s JR High Jump
Magaly Tshipopo Saint Augustine’s JR Triple Jump
Jeia Gilliam Virginia State FR Discus
Jade Jordan Virginia State FR High Jump

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F SECOND-TEAM ALL AMERICANS – MEN

Cervantes Jackson Albany State (Ga.) JR Long Jump
Stephen Rose Lincoln (Mo.) SR 100 Meters
Coy Spence Lincoln (Mo.) FR 400 Meter Hurdles
Dedrick Vanover Morehouse FR 200 Meters
Shaquille Dill Saint Augustine’s JR 800 Meters
Justin Williams Saint Augustine’s JR Triple Jump

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F SECOND-TEAM ALL AMERICANS – WOMEN

Shanice Clarke Lincoln (Mo.) SO 400 Meter Hurdles
Christine Moss Lincoln (Mo.) JR 400 Meters
Amanda Crawford Saint Augustine’s SO 200 Meters
Magaly Tshipopo Saint Augustine’s JR Long Jump
Tiara Derosa Shaw SO Discus

COURTESY: Curtis Akey, USTFCCCA and Saint Augustine's University Media Relations

Thirteen Lincoln University Blue Tigers Earn All-American honors

2018 NCAA Division II Women's  Outdoor Track & Field Champions

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- Thirteen Blue Tigers combined to earn 24 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field All-American Awards, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced on Tuesday.

The Lincoln women's outdoor track & field team, which won the NCAA Division II championship on Saturday (May 26), received 14 first team All-American honors, led by Diana Cauldwell, Rene Medley and Christine Moss with three apiece. Moss, who also garnered second team All-American honors in the 400m, joined Cauldwell, Medley and Shaian Vandenburg on LU's national title-winning 4x100m relay squad. Moss also earned first team honors in the 200m and the 4x400m relay.

Medley, the national champion in the 200m, also was named an All-American in the 100m. Cauldwell, meanwhile, was the national champion of the triple jump and earned All-American distinction in the long jump. Renea Ambersley, Segale Brown and Shanice Clarke joined Moss on the 4x400m relay team, with Ambersley additionally earning first team All-American status in the 400m. Clarke rounded out Lincoln's honors by receiving second team All-American honors in the 400m hurdles.

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS – WOMEN

Renea Ambersley	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	400 Meters
Renea Ambersley	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	4×400 Relay
Segale Brown	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	4×400 Relay
Diana Cauldwell	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	4×100 Relay
Diana Cauldwell	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	Long Jump
Diana Cauldwell	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	Triple Jump
Shanice Clarke	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	4×400 Relay
Rene Medley	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	100 Meters
Rene Medley	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	200 Meters
Rene Medley	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	4×100 Relay
Christine Moss	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	200 Meters
Christine Moss	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	4×100 Relay
Christine Moss	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	4×400 Relay
Shaian Vandenburg	Lincoln (Mo.)	JR	4×100 Relay

2018 NCAA DIVISION II OUTDOOR T&F FIRST-TEAM ALL AMERICANS – MEN

Jakiel David	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	4×100 Relay
Kizan David	Lincoln (Mo.)	FR	Triple Jump
Javan Gray	Lincoln (Mo.)	SO	4×100 Relay
Stephen Rose	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	4×100 Relay
Roberto Smith	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	100 Meters
Roberto Smith	Lincoln (Mo.)	SR	4×100 Relay

Men’s All-Americans – First Team | Second Team
Women’s All-Americans – First Team | Second Team

On the men's side, Roberto Smith earned multiple first All-American awards, as he was honored in both the 100m and the 4x100m relay. Joining Smith on that relay squad are Jakiel David, Javan Gray and Stephen Rose, with Rose also earning second team All-American distinction in the 100m. Kizan David was named a first team All-American in the triple jump, and Coy Spence was honored as a second team All-American in the 400m hurdles.

Student-athletes earned First-Team USTFCCCA All-America status by virtue of finishing among the top-8 in their events – including as a member of a relay team – at this past weekend's NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina. Second-team honors were bestowed upon those finishing ninth through 12th. Ninth- and 10th-place relay teams also earn the distinction.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

NSU Bissah Qualifies for NCAA 800 Meter Championship Final

EUGENE, Oregon -- Norfolk State University sophomore Martha Bissah continued her historic track and field season on Thursday night, placing second in her 800-meter semifinal heat to advance to Saturday's event final at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field.

Bissah posted a time of 2 minutes, 6.17 seconds, running a gutsy last few meters to inch past Jasmine Staebler of Iowa State and Susan Aneno of Connecticut at the finish line and earn the second automatic qualifier spot from th  e third and final heat. Bissah, who appeared to be boxed in on the inside of the track coming off the final turn, made her move late, finding enough daylight to squeeze by Staebler and Aneno to finish second behind Ashley Taylor of Northern Arizona.

Bissah becomes the first Spartan female to advance to an NCAA event final since Debbie Dunn, who did so in both the 400 meters (outdoors) and 200 meters (indoors) in 2000.

Saturday's 800-meter final is scheduled for 7:44 p.m. Eastern time (4:44 Pacific) and will be carried live on ESPN.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Chowan Hawks Jones Adds Two Assistants, Walker and Roberts

MURFREESBORO, North Carolina – The Chowan Women's Basketball program and head coach LaToya Jones announced the addition of two assistants to the staff: Johnette Walker and Chantel Roberts.

"Johnette is a person of high character, energy, and has a passion for coaching and mentoring young women," stated Coach Jones. "She is a strong recruiter, communicator, and a positive presence to be around. Her professional playing experience and success will greatly benefit the direction of the program as a whole. She is a tireless worker and I am excited for her to be a part of the Hawk Family!"

Johnette Walker comes to Chowan after spending two seasons at Division I USC Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C. At Upstate, Walker helped the team improve their winning percentage and increased their Atlantic Sun Conference win total.

"I am humbled and blessed for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing program and University," commented Walker. "I am beyond grateful to Coach (LaToya) Jones for the chance to learn and grow from a great coach but an even better person. Coach Jones' vision, drive and work ethic excites me and motivates me to be better each and every day."

Prior to Upstate, Walker spent a season at Francis Marion as an assistant coach. During her lone season with the Patriots, Walker helped the team to a 24-9 overall record, an NCAA Division II Southeast Regional title and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Walker played six seasons professionally overseas in Germany. There, she averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest in five of the six seasons.

Walker played collegiate basketball at Division I Radford under former coach Jeri Porter (now head coach at Francis Marion). Walker sits sixth all-time in Highlander history in scoring with 1,238 points and single-season career leader in Big South Conference history with 348 steals. Walker was named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year during her senior season. She was named Big South All-Conference as well as named to the All-Academic Team twice.

Walker is one of four players in Big South history to produce 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in her career.

In addition to Walker, Chantel Roberts returns to her alma mater after her career with the Blue & White. Roberts was selected to the WBCA 'So You Think You Want To Be A Coach' program during the 2017-18 season.

"I am excited to welcome Chantel Roberts back to the program in the role of Assistant Coach," harped Coach Jones. "Chantel has a passion for coaching and has been very influential in the community and on campus. Chantel understands the level of commitment desired under my leadership to continue the forward movement of the Women's Basketball Program. Chantel's work ethic is undeniable and will benefit her as she grows in this profession. She has served in leadership roles as an athlete and student here at Chowan, and in those various roles she has gained a great deal of knowledge and experience. Her love for mentoring, and being a role model for the younger generation is an invaluable character trait. I am blessed to have her a part of my staff."

Roberts finished her career with Chowan strong being named to the All-CIAA team after recording a program best 16.0 points per game and averaged a double-double in CIAA contests. Roberts posted 921 career points, 563 rebounds, and 135 made three-pointers, which ranks in the top-five in program history in a career.

"It is a blessing to be granted the opportunity to coach at my alma mater," remarked Roberts. "I'm excited to be reunited with my Chowan family doing what I love most. I look forward to the transition of my leadership role this year and hope to inspire the ladies as Coach (LaToya) Jones and all of my past coaches here have inspired me."

Off the court, Roberts was named to the 2017-18 CoSIDA Academic All-District Team, as well as, a member of Alpha Chi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Beta Beta Beta, and Chi Alpha Sigma honors societies. The 2018 graduate was awarded the Chowan University Outstanding Student Award, formerly Who's Who.

CHOWAN UNIVERSITY HAWKS SPORTS INFORMATION

JCSU Golden Bulls Football Program Set To Host Three Summer Camps

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The Johnson C. Smith University football program will host three camps this upcoming summer.

The JCSU 7 vs. 7 Team Camp is slated for June 29. The JCSU 7-on-7 camp is designed to provide high school teams with the opportunity to improve their passing game and pass defense while
competing against teams from around the country in preparation for the upcoming season.

Teams will also have the opportunity to tour the JCSU campus and have interactions and instruction from JCSU coaches and players. Teams will compete in game-situations for the camp championship.

The second camp, the JCSU football youth Camp takes place on July 12. This camp will focus on providing K-8th grade students with the opportunity to have fun and to receive instruction and practice fundamentals of the game of football. Campers will participate in a wide range of skill development drills and activities while being instructed by the Johnson C. Smith University football coaching staff.

The third camp of the summer is the JCSU High School Prospect Camp. The camp will have two dates, June 30 and again on July 13. The camp is designed to enhance the skills, techniques, and athleticism of student-athletes in grades 9-12. This camp is a one-day camp that allows campers to receive instruction from the JCSU football coaching staff in different drills and competitions. This camp is a non-contact camp structured to enable campers to have fun in a competitive environment.

For all three camps, participants should come prepared with cleats, athletic shorts, t-shirt and any other athletic or medical necessary equipment (braces, inhalers, etc.)

All camps will be conducted at the Irwin Belk Complex on the JCSU campus.

For more information on the JCSU Football camps, visit the CAMPS section of GoldenBullSports.com or contact Coach Chi-Emeke Worthington at cworthington@jcsu.edu

JCSU Football Summer Camp Schedule

JCSU Football 7 vs. 7 camp (HS Teams)
June 29
$225 for teams up to 25 player, $250 for teams over 25 players
$75 deposit due by June 15
Camp Brochure

JCSU High School Prospect Camp (Grades 9-12)
June 30 & July 13
$50 per camper ($35 pre-registration)
$75 for two siblings
$100 for three siblings
Camp Flyer

JCSU Football Youth Camp (Grades K-8)
July 12
$65 per camper
$85 for two siblings
$95 for three siblings
($50 deposit due by July 1)
Camp Brochure

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton Pirates Conclude Season at Gill Co-Ed National Championships

NORFOLK, Virginia  – The Hampton University sailing team finished competition Wednesday at the 2018 Gill Co-Ed National Championships with an 11th place finish. The top nine teams advanced to the championship final, which will take place Thursday and Friday. It is the second-straight year the Pirates have finished in 11th place.

Thirty-six schools took to the water Wednesday, comprised of two 18-squad divisions. The top nine from each division after Wednesday's competition advanced to the championship final.

Boston College moved into first place in the Western Division after sitting in third place following the first day of competition. The Eagles finished with 85 points with their A division duo scoring just 33 points between the two days to pace the squad.

Dartmouth dropped into second place with 86 points, followed by the University of South Florida who moved up to third. Tuesday's second-place squad, MIT, fell to fifth but with still qualify for the final.

Georgetown, Stanford, Rhode Island, St. Mary's College (Md.), and Eckerd College round out the Western Division squads that qualified for the championship final.

HU finished with 206 points, 48 points back of Eckerd and the final spot in the finals.

Maximilian Kuester and Dario Abou Rjeili sailed in the A division, posting 85 points for the competition after an impressive day one. Filip Stevanovic and Elisabeth Kuester sailed with the B division, collecting 121 points for HU to round out the scoring.

The 33 points scored by Boston College was the best A score for the semifinals while St. Mary's College (Md.) and Georgetown sailed away with top marks among B teams as each team posted just 34 points.

Hampton's nearest competitor, California-Berkley, finished eight points behind the Pirates while the University of Michigan was 23 points back.

For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Former NSU Spartan Gerard Johnson Continues Playing Career in Sweden

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- For evidence of the increasing popularity of American football, look no further than former Norfolk State running back Gerard Johnson.

Looking to continue his football career following his senior season at NSU in 2016, Johnson got a call from an unexpected place: Sweden. The Göteborg Marvels, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, learned of Johnson through a free agency database and wanted him to sign with the team.

"We eventually had some good conversations and I decided to give it a try," Johnson said.



American Football in Sweden isn't necessarily new, but it is growing in popularity as the sport's popularity in general has exploded in recent years. The sport was first played in Sweden in 1982. The top league, known as Superserien, began in 1991. The league plays games from April to June and includes both a men's and women's division.

"Football is starting to become bigger in Sweden," Johnson said. "But it's not their most popular sport, so they don't have as big of a fan base yet."

The Marvels are in their first season playing in the Superserien and were looking for some outside help to bolster their roster. Johnson fit the bill. The shifty running back, who ran for 837 yards and tallied 473 receiving yards over two seasons at NSU, hadn't played since scoring the winning touchdown on an 80-yard run against Hampton on his final carry as a collegiate player in 2016.

Johnson had stayed in shape, in part, by taking part in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity pit crew combine last year. He was part of the same pit crew recruiting class from NSU that included Brehanna Daniels, who made headlines by becoming the first African-American female to work on a pit crew on a national NASCAR series. But when Johnson got the call to continue his football career while training with NASCAR in Charlotte, he jumped at the chance. Even if that meant moving to a foreign country.

"It was a big difference, moving to a foreign country and getting used to the competition over here," Johnson said. "It's been an adjustment, but I've gotten used to it. There are some pretty decent athletes, but they haven't had much in the way of experienced coaching."

The Superserien limits how many "imports," or non-Swedish players, can be on each team. Johnson is one of just two Americans on his team, along with former Liberty standout Alpha Jalloh. Johnson's experience and versatility have played a key role for the Marvels. Expected to be the team's top running back coming into the year, Johnson has had to fill in at quarterback, a position he has not played since his days at Meadowbrook High School in Richmond.

Whether he's played running back or quarterback, Johnson has been one of the team's offensive standouts. He scored the only touchdown in the team's lone win so far this season, an 8-7 victory over the Uppsala 86ers earlier this month. Johnson passed for 216 yards and three touchdowns in the team's most recent game, a 45-27 loss to the Stockholm Mean Machines. At 1-4, the Marvels have three games remaining in the season and still are alive in the playoff race.

Johnson's transition to the country off the field has not been a difficult one. Aside from having to purchase a new cell phone for use in his new country, Johnson has found that he hasn't had to make too many adjustments.

"For the most part everyone can speak English," Johnson explained. "You just have to let them know (that you don't speak Swedish) and they'll will speak English around you. The food is not much different (than in the U.S.), but it definitely tastes fresher."

As for his future, Johnson is keeping an open mind.

"My goal is to keep working to get to the highest level," he said. "So, I'll continue to collect film and keep pushing to be ready for whatever comes next."



NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Hampton Lady Pirates Announces 2018 Recruiting Class

HAMPTON, Virginia  – Hampton University volleyball coach Brandon Duvall announced a 10-player incoming class for the 2018 season on Monday.

"Time will tell, but this could be one of the strongest recruiting classes in my career," Duvall said. "Most of these players have either committed to the program early or have been on our radar a long time so we have been able to build a great relationship with them and their families. They have a great blue-collar work ethic and share a passion for the game, a willingness to learn, and all come from great club and high school programs with good coaches and mentors that have led them to this point."

"We have a lot of strong returners with years of experience and have shouldered the responsibility of returning Hampton Volleyball back into a championship program," Duvall added. "This recruiting class will give us the depth necessary to compete in what could be one of the most challenging years in program history with our move to the Big South Conference. We will for sure have the most competitive gym culture this program has seen in years."

The incoming class will feature eight players new to Hampton University this fall, as well as a pair that will be eligible to play after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.
 

Amani Walker
Setter
Frederick, Md.

Walker graduated from Oakdale High School where she led her team to a 2A State Championship as a senior. She served as the main setter on the team, also contributing as a hitter with 115 kills in her final two years with the squad. Walker also proved dangerous from the service line with 66 aces, including 39 as a senior. Walker was a standout member of the East Coast Elite volleyball club in Maryland.

Gabrielle Calloway
Outside Hitter
Williamsburg, Va.

Calloway continued her volleyball career locally after a standout career at Bruton High School. She was named First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-State each of her first three years at Bruton. Calloway suffered a stress fracture three games into her senior season, but still ended her career with a school record, 948 kills. She also led her travel squad, the Williamsburg Volleyball Club.

Isis Black
Middle Blocker
Stafford, Va.

Black graduated from North Stafford High School where she spent three years on the varsity squad. The middle blocker was a three-time all-district selection. Her senior year was one of the most productive in all of Northern Virginia as she finished with 228 kills on a .592 hitting percentage to go with 81 blocks. For her performance, she garnered First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, First Team All-Area, and First Team All-State laurels. Black was also a member of the Fredericksburg Volleyball Club where she also anchored the front line.

Jessica Pugh
Defensive Specialist/Libero
Dallas, Texas

Pugh was a standout athlete at Greenhill School where she won a pair of state championships in volleyball and another pair in track and field. The four-year varsity performer was a three-time all-region selection, receiving the Defense Award twice for the program. Pugh showcased her defensive prowess as a member of the Instinct Volleyball Club.

Brooke Irvin
Setter
Chicago, Ill.

Irvin graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet School where she played three years of varsity volleyball. Irvin anchored her squad as the starting setter, posting 729 assists as a junior and 860 as a senior. That senior year, which included 31 aces, 184 digs, and 70 kills, saw her recognized on the AVCA Phenom List as well as all-state recognition. Irvin served as a primary setter for Chicago Elite, a volleyball club team in Illinois.

Alyah Barkley
Outside Hitter
Fuquay Varina, N.C.

Barkley was a standout performer on the varsity volleyball team three years at Fuquay Varina High School. She was named team MVP after her junior and senior seasons. Barkley served as a force on the outside for the Triangle Volleyball Club in North Carolina.

Sasha Saric
Right Side
Niksic, Montenegro

Saric joins the Hampton squad after playing previously at Northwest College, a junior college in Powell, Wyoming. The 6'4" right-side hitter came to the United States after being recognized as one of the 10 best players in Montenegro. Saric earned All-Region IX North and First Team All-Conference accolades at Northwest.

Bria King
Right Side/Outside Hitter
Noblesville, Ind.

King led her team in kills at Hamilton Southeastern High School where she was instrumental in helping her team garner a No. 1 ranking in the state of Indiana as a junior. She has served as a team captain, helping her team to a state semifinal appearance as a sophomore. King is a product of nationally recognized volleyball club, Munciana Volleyball.

Sydney Sumner
Outside Hitter
Transfer from NC Central/Pitt-Johnstown
Seaford, Va.

Another area native, Sumner returns home after transferring from NC Central where she was an outside hitter. Sumner graduated from York High School where she posted 850 kills and 800 digs in her prep career. She posted 37 kills in a match, ranking seventh all-time in Virginia High School League history. She was named First Team All-Conference 2015 once in her career as well as garnering First Team All-Bay Rivers Team accolades twice. Sumner played her travel ball as a member of Coastal Virginia Volleyball Club.

Megann Delgado
Right Side
Tranfer from Cal State Fullerton
Lakewood, Calif.

Delgado brings in a lot of experience, ranking fifth on the Cal State Fullerton team with 140 kills in her freshman year before transferring. She also added 125 digs and 35 blocks in her first collegiate campaign. Prior to her collegiate debut, she played four years of varsity volleyball at Lakewood High School where she was named a First Team All-Moore League selection twice and second team pick once. She earned league MVP and team MVP her senior season, while also earning Long Beach Press Telegram Dream Team honors. Delgado played her travel ball as a member of Goldenwest Volleyball Club.


HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Hampton Voice of Athletics Honored For 25 Years of Service

HAMPTON, Virginia -- In addition to his duties as Master of Ceremony at the 2018 Hampton University Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, Rev. Dr. Jerome A. Barber was an award recipient.

"The Voice" of Hampton Pirates football and basketball was recognized in honor of his 25 years of service to Hampton University with a 25-year plaque.

A native of Washington, DC, Barber earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Hampton Institute in 1981. As a Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He achieved the rank of Captain before leaving the Army in 1986.

Rev. Barber established Ark Builders, Inc., a nationwide community uplift initiative that actively involves community youth. He received his Doctor of Divinity from Eastern Theological Seminary in 2001, and in the same year received Hampton University's "2001 Twenty-year Most Outstanding Alumnus."

He has been serving as pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton since 1996. In addition, Rev. Barber has been involved in mobilizing U.S. teams of pastors, medical professionals, educators and youth to minister and serve in Kenya and Brazil.

His endless energy and enthusiasm can be felt wherever he goes. Pirate fans are accustomed to hearing his patented "Move The Chains" in the fall at Armstrong Stadium and his booming voice in the winter inside the HU Convocation Center.

Hampton University fans and supporters wish to congratulate Rev. Dr. Jerome A. Barber for 25 years on the microphones and look forward to many more from "The Voice of Hampton University Athletics."

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Reed, Kern and Collins to Speak at TSU National Alumni Association Convention

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Athletic Department will be well represented at the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association Convention scheduled for June 14-17 in Atlanta, Ga. Among the plenary speakers will be head football coach Rod Reed, head women’s basketball coach Jessica Kern and head men’s basketball coach Brian “Penny” Collins on Friday, June 15.

The four-day convention will be held at Crown Plaza Midtown Hotel in Atlanta. This will be the 64th National Convention and includes a golf tournament, town hall meeting, guest speakers and an award ceremony, among other activities.

Reed is entering his ninth season as the head coach of the TSU football program. The Tigers are set to open the season on Sept. 1 at Nissan Stadium for the John Merritt Classic versus Bethune-Cookman.

Kern is about to start her second year at the helm for the Lady Tigers, while Collins was hired on March 26, 2018 to lead the men's basketball program.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

National semifinalist Rush have 3 ITA All-Americans

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana, an NAIA national semifinalist for the third straight year, had three men — Shaikh Abdullah, Catalin Fifea and Antoine Richard — named All-America Wednesday by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
     
The ITA designates as All-America the top 20 singles players and top 10 doubles teams in its end-of-season individual national rankings. Fifea was ranked 16th in singles, and the doubles team of Abdullah and Richard was ranked fourth.
     
Abdullah is a freshman from Hyderabad, India. Fifea is a senior from Bucharest, Romania. Richard is a sophomore from Laval, Quebec.
     
It's the third consecutive season that the Gold Rush produced at least three ITA All-Americans.
     
Two other Gold Rush players made the final national rankings. Samir Chikhaoui(sophomore from Lille, France) was 35th in singles, and Chris Anders (junior from Baton Rouge, La.) was 24th in doubles with Fifea. Richard was 26th and Abdullah 42nd in singles.
     
In the ITA's South Region rankings, Fifea was seventh, Richard 10th, Chikhaoui 15th and Abdullah 18th in singles. Abdullah and Richard were fourth in doubles, and Anders and Fifea were 10th.
     
For the second straight year, Richard earned ITA All-America and was top-4 nationally in the final doubles ranking. He was No. 2 a year ago with Moses Michael. Richard and Kyle Montrel are the only Gold Rush players to make ITA All-America as a freshman and sophomore.
     
Fifea climbed 10 spots from his final singles ranking of last season. In May he was named ITA NAIA Region IV (South) Most Improved Senior. Also receiving a regional honor was Abdullah — Rookie of the Year.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Head Coach Jessica Kern Becomes First Female Speaker at Coaches Clinic in Sweden

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee State University head women’s basketball coach Jessica Kern will journey to Sweden to participate in the 2018 Barton Clinic June 8-10.

Kern will serve as one of the coaches for the three-day clinic that will be held at the Solnahallen Arena in Stockholm. The Clinic is for local and international coaches of all levels. Content will feature player development, creating a competitive culture, defensive/offensive implementation and various forums to discuss a number of topics.

Kern, a native of Milwaukee, Wisc., is the first female to lecture at the renowned clinic. The Lady Tiger coach has a great deal of experience traveling abroad, as she played professional basketball overseas for seven years and also lectured in Europe. During the Barton Clinic, Kern will present ideas on how to create a competitive environment in practice.

“As collegiate coaches, the reality is, we are paid recruiters,” said Kern. “Each university tries extensively to find what sets them apart. Well here at TSU, we pride ourselves on giving our student- athletes the full experience - while doing it with joy and passion. Over the years, I have marveled at the ability many foreign teams, athletes and coaches have to been able to manifest fundamental components of the game with mental toughness & an expedited learning curve. I am absolutely honored to be the first female to present here while being alongside professionals who have performed and won at the highest level. One year ago, I vowed to TSU that I would work tirelessly to make sure our program strives for excellence daily. The knowledge I will be able to share & bring back to my staff & players will be priceless. I am anxious to grow and elated to continue to grow the TSU WBB brand!”

Kern is coming off her first season as the head coach at Tennessee State. The Lady Tigers return eight players from last year’s team including two All-Americans in Tia Wooten and Taylor Roberts.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Nuggets tie program mark with 4 ITA All-Americans

NEW ORLEANS — The women of Xavier University of Louisiana matched a program record with four players — Mariia Borodii, Angela Charles-Alfred, Charlene Goreau and Yi Chen Pao — on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association NAIA All-America team for 2017-18.
     
Student-athletes qualified for All-America by being top 20 in singles or top 10 in doubles in the end-of-season ITA NAIA national rankings May 23. The ITA announced its All-America teams Wednesday.
     
Borodii, a freshman from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, was No. 2 in singles and No. 3 in doubles with Pao, a sophomore from Taichung City, Taiwan. Charles-Alfred, a freshman from Saint-Pierre, Martinique, was No. 12 in singles and No. 4 in doubles with Goreau, a junior from Toulouse, France. Goreau was No. 9 in singles and made ITA All-America for the second time in three years.
     
The only other season the Gold Nuggets produced four ITA All-Americans was in 2013-14. They had none a year ago.
     
XULA and national champion Georgia Gwinnett were the only women's teams with three singles players in the final top 15.
    
In the ITA's South Region rankings, Borodii was second, Goreau eighth and Charles-Alfred 10th in singles. Among doubles teams in the South, Borodii and Pao were third, and Goreau and Charles-Alfred were fourth.
     
Fueled by a school-record 16-dual match win streak, the Gold Nuggets reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Championships in May. Prior to that tournament, Borodii was named ITA NAIA National and Region IV (South) Rookie of the Year, and Goreau was chosen Region IV Player to Watch.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Become a Member of the TSUAA

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The TSU Athletic Association is an organization of alumni, fans and supporters that offers financial support to the university’s athletic programs. Membership in the TSUAA not only provides supporters with benefits such as priority seating and preferred parking but also allows a personal stake in helping TSU offer the best product possible in each of its sports. More info on TSUTigers.com.

All-state honors for 3, including Borodii on 1st team

NEW ORLEANS — For the second time in three years, Xavier University of Louisiana has three student-athletes earning All-Louisiana honors in tennis from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
     
Mariia Borodii was selected to the women's first team, and Charlene Goreau made the second team. Catalin Fifea was voted to the men's second team.
     
A panel of tennis publicists from Louisiana universities selected the All-Louisiana teams, and the LSWA announced the awards this past weekend.



Borodii, a freshman from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, is the first Gold Nugget on the first team since Nour Abbes in 2015. Goreau, a junior from Toulouse, France, made the second team for the second time in three seasons. Goreau was honorable mention a year ago.
     
Fifea, a senior from Bucharest, Romania, earned All-Louisiana after receiving honorable mention in 2017.
     
Both XULA teams reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Championships in May and were No. 3 in the final coaches polls.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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