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General MSU Athletics Communications

MSU Annual Athletics Awards Ceremony Set for April 29

BALTIMORE, Md. (April 28, 2026) ⏤ The Morgan State University Department of Athletics will host its annual MSU Athletics Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, celebrating the achievements of more than 300 student-athletes from the 2025–26 academic year.
 
The evening will highlight the accomplishments of Morgan State's athletic programs with a season recap video, along with the presentation of individual and team awards. Coaches will also offer remarks recognizing the dedication and success of their student-athletes throughout the year.
 
The post-season awards ceremony will be held at the MSU Student Center Theater on campus and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Below are the descriptions for the awards.

Varsity "M" Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the graduating senior male student-athlete with the highest grade point average.

Elijah Rowe Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the graduating senior female student-athlete with the highest grade point average.
 
The Effietee Payne Achievement Award
Selected by the Director of Athletics and awarded to the male and female student-athletes who have displayed a high level of academic and athletic achievement, shown leadership qualities, exemplifying the true meaning of competition and sportsmanship, while impacting the Morgan community.
 
Unsung Hero Award
Awarded to the person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in support of the Morgan State Athletics program. A behind-the-scenes contributor who rarely receives recognition. The award is selected by the Banquet Committee.
 
Theresa Coleman-Gibson Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the cheerleader who has excelled academically with the highest grade point average among her/his peers.
 
Team Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Awards
Selected in each sport by the head coach. The Most Valuable Player award goes to the athlete whom the coach feels has made the most significant contribution to the team, both on and off the playing field. The Rookie of the Year goes to the most outstanding first-year competitor.
 
Talmadge L. Hill Coach of the Year
Awarded to the coach who has accomplished the most significant growth in his/ her program during the past academic year. The entire banquet committee votes on this award.
 
Earl C. Banks Female Athlete of the Year
Awarded to the female student-athlete who brings honor and distinction to their team, the University, and the community through athletic accomplishment at the highest level, and whose name is synonymous with Morgan State athletics and winning. The entire banquet committee votes on this award.
 
Edward P. Hurt Male Athlete of the Year
Awarded to the male student-athlete who brings honor and distinction to their team, the University, and the community through athletic accomplishment at the highest level, and whose name is synonymous with Morgan State athletics and winning. This award is voted on by the entire banquet committee.

 

FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official website of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios, and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
 
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
 
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