MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Berry College Athletics hosted its second annual Sneaker Ball to honor the student-athletes and present the department awards for the 2024-2025 year.

In red carpet fashion, the Vikings put on their best sneakers for this year's Athletics Awards Ceremony with former Softball player and coach, Abbey Gamble as the emcee for the evening.

Upon entering the arena, the student-athletes had many photo opportunities with various backdrops, a balloon sneaker, two runways, and a photo booth to capture all the memories of the night.

Landon Painter from Men's Golf delivered the invocation and Dr. Angel Mason, Director of Athletics got everything started as Dr. Briggs came to the stage to honor the seniors for their accomplishments. 

Then the awards began, first with the Justus Edwards Inspiration Award.

The Justus Edwards Inspiration Award is presented to a male and female who, through a positive attitude, high personal motivation, will, and drive has overcome considerable challenges to affect Berry College, the Department of Athletics, or those in the Rome community in an affirmative manner.

This year's recipients were:
Caleb Johnston: Men's Lacrosse
Molley Cross: Women's Lacrosse
 
Next up was the Service Award.

The Service Award is presented to the male and female student-athlete or team that best embodies the spirit of "giving back" by working on campus or in the community to significantly impact those in need.
This year's recipients were:
Christopher Lewis: Football
Brooke Backlund: Equestrian
 

The Scholar Athletes of the Year were named after that.
To be named the Scholar-Athlete of the year, the student-athlete must excel both in and out of the classroom. The recipient must have a high-grade point average (3.5 and above) and be an active contributor to the team.

This year's recipients were:
Peter Ivester: Men's Cross Country/Track and Field
Kaylee Howell: Beach Volleyball

The "Be Berry" Award was presented next by Ginger Swann

The "Be Berry" Award is presented to an excelled male and female student-athlete. These student-athletes must set an example of leadership, dedication, values, and concern for others while effectively representing Berry College in the competitive arena.

This year's recipients were:
Jacob Morgan: Men's Basketball
Sydney Bowes: Women's Golf
 

The Newcomers of the Year is presented to a male and female student-athlete in their first year of intercollegiate participation at Berry who has positively impacted their team and/or the Department of Athletics.

This year's recipients were:
Nile King - Men's Basketball
Briaiah Lewis - Women's Basketball
 

The final awards were the Male Athlete of the Year consisting of the following nominees:

Tim Salisbury: Men's Lacrosse
Braxton Benham: Men's Basketball
Tracy Moon: Men's Soccer
Brandon Cade: Football
Noah Farland: Men's Golf
Nick Fonzo: Men's Swim
Riley Uhls: Baseball
Tucker Wright: Men's Cross Country/Track and Field

The winner of this award will be announced at the conclusion of all Spring sport seasons.
 
The Mika Robinson Female Athlete of the Year nominees are:

Kenadie Lee: Women's Basketball
Bella Boston: Volleyball
Anna Rose: Women's Cross Country/Track and Field
Meaghan Kursman: Equestrian
Dani Taraska: Women's Lacrosse
Hannah Gore: Softball

The winner of this award will be announced at the conclusion of all Spring sport seasons.

To top off the evening, Berry Athletics honored Dr. Steve Briggs one last time presenting him with a jersey to mark his 19 years of dedicated service and steadfast support creating an exceptional student-athlete experience. His leadership and vision were instrumental in the transistion to NCAA Division III, the addition of ten varsity sports, and his role as founding members of the Southern Athletic Association. 

The full photo gallery from the night can be found here: