Rice FAME Group Reveals 2024-2025 HBCU Makeda Excellence Award Winners

Fourth Annual Honors Spotlight the Best in HBCU Athletics and Bands

RADCLIFF, KY., August 20, 2025 — The Rice FAME Group catapulted the 2024-2025 HBCU Makeda Excellence Awards into the national spotlight on Sunday, unveiling a new roster of honorees who embody the highest standards of athletic and artistic achievement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country.

Drawing Inspiration from a Queen

Named after the legendary Queen Makeda of Sheba — famed for her wisdom and legendary wealth — the Makeda Excellence Awards salute those who lead, inspire, and elevate the legacy of HBCUs. Lore tells us that Queen Makeda’s intellect once tested King Solomon, and her influence and substantial wealth helped build the first Temple. Today, the awards aim to honor that same spirit of excellence and leadership, celebrated in HBCU athletes, coaches, and bands.

The Makeda Awards: Raising the Bar for Recognition

Established as a signature event by the Rice FAME Group, the annual Makeda Excellence Awards celebrate not just victories, but also the cultural force of HBCU sports and bands. This fourth installment saw many of the 78 four-year HBCU programs nominate standouts for consideration — a testament to the breadth and depth of Black collegiate talent nationwide.

The selection process is rigorous and peer-driven: athletic representatives of all 78 programs are asked to submit their picks, and ballots go out to head coaches and band directors across the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), NCAA, National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA), and USCAA. The result? Winners are chosen by the people who know the game best.

Peer Recognition at Its Finest

In the high-stakes world of HBCU athletics and bands, only the best rise to the top. This year, the votes were tight in several categories, reflecting an incredibly high standard across the board. Final selections were pulled from official institutional submissions and coaching fraternity knowledge, ensuring that every honoree is a true standout in their field.

Athletics, Bands, and Unmatched Pride

HBCUs have long been centers of both athletic prowess and creative brilliance. Whether lighting up the field or captivating crowds with show-stopping marching band performances, these schools drive community, competition, and culture forward.

·        Athletes: Lauded for their in-game heroics, leadership, and season accolades.

·        Coaches: Celebrated for their mentorship, strategic minds, and ability to mold the next generation of stars.

·        Bands: Honored for creativity, electrifying performances, and their role as cultural torchbearers.

Meet the 2024-2025 Honorees

While competition was fierce, this year’s honorees captured the hearts and admiration of their peers and communities. Each is a testament to the lasting impact of HBCUs on American life and culture, as well as the power of dedication and tradition.

Marching Bands

·        The Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South made its rounds during the 2024-25 season including performing at the Tournament of Roses Parade. They were also named the Band of the Year by HBCU Legends (SI) and HBCUSports following the year. The SBOS earned the Outstanding Band award.

·        Dr. Kenneth Ruff of The North Carolina A & T State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine won the Outstanding Band Director award.

Baseball

·        Outstanding Athlete Miles Bowens, Southern University at New Orleans, improved his hitting tremendously this season. He finished the regular season No. 3 in the conference for total home runs with 9 and leads the HBCUAC with 7 homers in conference play only. He was No.7 in the HBCUAC with 33 RBI against conference opponents and No. 4 overall with 51 RBI. He was at the top of the conference for total bases (No. 5 with 95) and slugging percentage (.605, No. 11). In the field, he stood at .967 with 86 putouts and just 3 errors this season. During the postseason, he led the Knights' offense, batting .375 over 7 games. He was named to the 2025 HBCUAC Baseball All-Tournament Team. In 46 games played, Bowens hit .344, had 54 hits, 42 runs scored, 21 hits for extra bases, and was walked 28 times.

·        Outstanding Coach Olen Parker, Jr., Southern University at New Orleans, led the Knights to a record of 24-27 overall, finishing runners-up in the 2025 HBCU Athletic Conference Championship Tournament. The Knights went on to play in the NAIA Regionals in just their second season in existence.  Parker led the Knights to a 16-14 conference record, finishing the regular season in sixth place. The unlikely heroes of the conference tournament, SUNO stunned two of the top seeds in the tournament to make it to the championship game. Their performance earned them five spots on the All-Tournament Team, including Christopher Nunez who threw a no-hitter for the  first time in conference history since baseball returned as a conference sport in 2023. Academically, the Knights had 12 players make the conference honor roll, including four with a 4.0 GPA.

Bowling

·        Outstanding Athlete Maya Avilez, North Carolina A&T State University, was named MEAC preseason bowler of the year, MEAC bowler of the year, and MEAC most outstanding bowler at the MEAC tournament ... Led the Aggies to their fourth MEAC tournament title in five years ... Also led the Aggies to their fifth straight regular-season title ... Led the Aggies to their fifth straight NCAA appearance, earning third-team NTCA All-American honors ... Qualified for the USBC Individual Single Championships and helped the Aggies qualify for the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships.

·        Outstanding Coach Kim Terrell-Kearney, North Carolina A&T State University, coached 12 players to 22 first-team All-MEAC accolades. Five bowlers have earned six second-team All-MEAC honors under Terrell-Kearney, and one bowler earned third-team honors.

Terrell-Kearney led the Aggies to their fifth straight MEAC regular-season title. The Aggies won the MEAC Bowling Championship Tournament after going 80-36 overall and were the eighth-ranked team in the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll. They won the regular season by going 12-2.

During the Prairie View A&M Invitational, Jan. 24-26, at the ITRC in Arlington, Texas, the Aggies defeated the top five teams in the nation and went 8-2 against teams from the NTCA top 25. Terrell-Kearney called it her favorite coaching moment this season.

The Aggies had 31 wins over NTCA top 25 teams this season. In addition, the Aggies were the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Allen Park (Mich.) sectional champion, qualifying to compete for an Intercollegiate Team Championship (ITC) national title in Las Vegas.

The Aggies lead the MEAC in nearly every statistical category, boasting the highest overall team-scoring average of 20.206 pins per frame and the best team fill percentage (85.67). A&T had a conference-best 49.70 team strike percentage and a 71.50 team spare percentage.

Football

·        Outstanding Athlete Kevon King, Norfolk State University, All-MEAC Second Team selection … Played in 11 of the Spartans’ 12 games, all as the starting running back … Rushed for 944 yards and 10 touchdowns on 161 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry … Ranked third in the MEAC in rushing yards and touchdowns … Recorded 100+ rushing yards in four games … Racked up career-high 144 yards on the ground, including two touchdowns, in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against FAMU … Broke free for an 82-yard touchdown run on the third play from scrimmage against the Rattlers, the fourth-longest rush in school history … Produced 137 rushing yards and a touchdown against Virginia State on 20 carries … Scored two touchdowns against Towson and two touchdowns against Delaware State … Tallied 144 rushing yards on 21 carries against MEAC Champion South Carolina State.

·        Outstanding Coach T.C. Taylor, Jackson State University, led Jackson State to a 12-2 record, winning its last 10 games of the year (longest current FCS winning streak). Taylor was named to the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year list following the regular season and was named as the HBCU Legends Coach of the Year. He was also named the SWAC Coach of the Year by his peers. During the season, the Tigers had nine SWAC players of the week and 37 all-conference honors (preseason/postseason) in the SWAC and Phil Steele. They also had the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and an undrafted free agent (Robert McDaniel). They also had 15 All-Americans (five organizations) and eight HBCU Legacy Bowl invites. The Tigers went on to win the 2024 SWAC Championship and won their first Cricket Celebration Bowl with a 28-7 win over South Carolina State. With that win, the Tigers claimed the HBCU National Championship. Coach Taylor has a career record of 19-6 in two seasons (13-3 in conference play), and was named to the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year list.

Men’s Basketball

·        Outstanding Athlete Jamal "Tall" Gibson, Southern University at New Orleans, the heart and soul of the Knights, continued his meteoric rise, solidifying his place in program history. He led SUNO in every major statistical category except blocks, earning an astounding 14 Offensive Player of the Week honors and 15 Defensive Player of the Week honors. His dominance on the defensive end was recognized nationally as he became the first player in SUNO history to be named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week twice.

Gibson reached a career milestone on January 6, 2025, against Fisk University, scoring his 1,000th career point in just his 47th game—making him the fastest player in program history to hit the mark. He also broke his own single-season scoring record of 630 points, with 674 points scored in his sophomore year..

Nationally, Gibson was a rebounding machine, leading the entire NAIA with 477 total rebounds (16.4 per game). He also tops the HBCUAC in scoring at 23.2 points per game and repeated as Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, accolades he claimed last season.

Gibson is now a two-time All-America, 2024 RICE FAME Makeda Excellence Award Player of the Year; school record 59 consecutive double-doubles.

·        Outstanding Coach James A. Matthews III, Southern University at New Orleans, The SUNO Knights men's basketball team made history this season, achieving milestones not seen in over a decade. With a double-digit win total for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign and a 9-8 conference record—its best in 11 years—the Knights have reestablished themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC).

The season ended on a high note as SUNO secured an electrifying 82-78 victory over longtime rival Xavier on Feb. 20, a statement win that showcased the Knights' growth and resilience. Along the way, SUNO took down the conference's top programs, earning hard-fought wins over Stillman College, Tougaloo College, and Philander Smith. The triumph at Philander Smith was particularly historic, marking the first time the Knights had ever won on the Panthers' home court since their entry into the conference.

SUNO's high-powered offense and relentless defense have been at the core of its success. The Knights finished the regular season ranked second in the HBCUAC in points per game (78.4) and field goals made per game (28.7). Their dominance on the boards was unmatched, leading the conference in total rebounds per game (41.4) and defensive rebounds per game (28.1). Additionally, their unselfish play resulted in 15.9 assists per game, the second-highest mark in the conference.

On the defensive end, the Knights were a nightmare for opponents, leading the HBCUAC in blocks per game (5.1) across all contests. Their tenacity on the glass and ability to alter shots made them a defensive powerhouse throughout the season.

Under his tutelage, the Knights had two Preseason All-HBCUAC selections, one First Team All-HBCUAC, Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Player of the Year - for the second consecutive year. Matthews also coached the only player to win National Defensive Player of the Week, and this year, that player won NAIA Defensive Player of the Week twice - the first mark in program history.

Men’s Cross Country

·        Co-Outstanding Athlete Brian Rotich, Norfolk State Men's Cross Country, was named MEAC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week on Oct. 23
- Earned a second-place finish at the MEAC Championships, running the 8k course in a personal best time of 23:34.60
- Recorded a time of 31:17.30 in the 10k at the NCAA Division I Southeast Regionals
- Placed third in the 5k to open the season at the UMES Hawks Season Opener (15:51.80)
- Clocked a time of 23:07.50 to place 10th in the 8k at the Pirate Cross Invitational.

·        Co-Outstanding Athlete Nevon Taylor, Tougaloo College, played a pivotal role in a historic season for the Bulldogs. He delivered a standout performance at the HBCUAC Conference Championship, finishing 5th overall with a time of 30:28.70. His effort earned him HBCUAC All-Conference honors and was instrumental in leading the team to its first-ever conference championship. Taylor’s determination and consistency throughout the season helped set the tone for the Bulldogs’ success and marked a milestone moment in program history.

·        Co-Outstanding Coach Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State University, won both men's and women's MEAC Cross-Country Championships
- Fifth consecutive championship title for the men's program
- Named MEAC Cross Country Most Outstanding Coach
- Men's team placed 12th at NCAA Southeast Regional

·        Co-Outstanding Coach Eric Pilcher, Tougaloo College, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and coaching excellence as the head coach of Tougaloo College’s Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country programs. His impact during the 2024 season has been nothing short of historic, achieving milestones that have elevated the program to unprecedented heights.

Under Coach Pilcher’s guidance, the Men’s Cross-Country team captured the 2024 HBCUAC Championship, the first in school history. This landmark achievement reflects not only the team’s athletic talent but also Coach Pilcher’s ability to cultivate discipline, resilience, and a strong team culture. The men's team also qualified for the 2024 NAIA National Championship, marking a significant step forward for the program on the national stage. Two runners earned All-Conference honors, further demonstrating the competitive edge and individual growth that Coach Pilcher instills in his athletes. For his remarkable efforts, he was named the 2024 HBCUAC Coach of the Year.

Coach Eric Pilcher’s commitment to excellence, athlete development, and team success has redefined the trajectory of Tougaloo College’s cross-country program. His leadership has inspired a new era of competitiveness and pride, making him a deserving nominee for this honor.

Men’s Golf

·        Outstanding Coach Sam Puryear, Howard University, led the men’s golf team to back-to-back NEC (Northeast Conference) Titles after erasing a seven-stroke deficit entering the final round. Four Bison were named to the All-Tournament team. Coach Puryear saw a pair of Bison recognized for their outstanding seasons, earning All-NEC honors. Academically, four Bison received NEC Spring Academic Honors. Among those four honorees, two earned a spot on the CSC (College Sports Communicators) At-Large Division I All-District Team.

Men’s Track & Field

·        Outstanding Athlete Christopher Johnson, Stillman College, was an NAIA qualifier, HBCUAC Field MVP, and HBCUAC Champ in discus and shot put. The 2025 HBCUAC Preseason Athlete of the Year, Johnson set the tone from the very first meet of the year, as he broke the meet record at the UWA Invitational, broke his personal discus record, and qualified for the NAIA Nationals all at once. He went on to break the Stillman school record a week later, coming away with a new season-best mark of 54.78 meters (179' 9") at the Falcon Classic Multi, a mark that would stand as top-three in the nation for the duration of the season.

Johnson, a native of Meridian, Miss., cleared 50 meters five times in seven meets in the discus, while adding five event wins in the shot put throughout the season. He took home the HBCUAC title in both events in mid-April, including a mark of 15.17 meters (49' 9 ¼") in the shot put, good enough for second in Stillman history and tops in the program's NAIA era. He turned in a PR in the hammer the same weekend, as his toss of 37.97 meters (124' 7") landed him in fifth place and added to Stillman's team point total.

·        Outstanding Coach Allen Johnson, North Carolina A&T State University, led the Aggies to the 2025 CAA men's indoor and outdoor track and field championships, winning the outdoor title at A&T's Marcus T. Johnson Track. The Aggies won the outdoor title by 36 points over Monmouth, claiming titles in the 400 meters, 800m, 400-meter hurdles, triple jump, shot put, and the 4x400-meter relay.

In addition, the Aggies took the top four spots in the 400m, the top three spots in the shot put, and the top two spots in the 800m and the 400H. Johnson then sent 14 male student-athletes to the NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.

Xzaviah Taylor (400H, 4x100, 4x400), his twin brother Isaiah Taylor (110H, 400H, 4x100), Partree (triple jump), Correy McManus Jr. (4x100), Jaeden Gumbs (4x100), Brandon Nya (4x100), Elijah Thomas (4x400), Caleb Gurnell (4x400), and Dyimond Walker (4x400) all advanced to the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

He led the Aggies to the CAA title with a score of 185. The closest competitor was Monmouth, who scored 146 points. The Aggies collected eight men's event titles, finished second in five events and third in three.

A&T won CAA men's indoor titles in the 60-meters, 200m, 400m, 60-meter hurdles, 4x400-meter relay, 4x800, triple jump, and shot put. They claimed first, second and third in the 200m and the 60H. A&T finished first and second in the 60m.

Johnson also had two athletes finish in the top 50 nationally in the 200m, three in the top 50 in the 60H, and two in the top 50 in the triple jump. The 4x400 team also finished in the top 50. In addition, Johnson coached Holmes to a second-team All-American honor in the 60H after Holmes qualified for the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Men’s Volleyball

·        Outstanding Athlete Ben Latham, Central State University, has emerged as one of the premier defensive players in collegiate volleyball. As a libero for Central State University, Ben finished the season ranked second in the nation in digs per set, a testament to his elite skill, relentless work ethic, and commitment to excellence.

His outstanding performance earned him SIAC Libero of the Year honors and a spot on the SIAC First Team All-Conference. Throughout the season, Ben consistently proved himself against some of the top programs in the country, including national powerhouses like USC and Ball State—often standing out as one of the best players on the court, regardless of opponent.

What truly sets Ben apart is not just his athletic ability, but his humble leadership and character. Known across campus for his quiet confidence and strong values, Ben exemplifies what it means to lead by example. Whether in the gym, the classroom, or the community, he is a respected teammate, role model, and representative of Marauder Athletics.

·        Outstanding Coach Lawrence Wrather, Fort Valley State University, led Fort Valley State Men’s Volleyball to continue its reign of excellence in 2025, adding another historic chapter to an already dominant era. The Wildcats captured their second consecutive SIAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, making them the first program in SIAC men’s volleyball history to achieve back-to-back titles in both categories.

FVSU went a perfect 12-0 in conference play, losing just one set along the way, and finished the year with an 18-10 overall record. On the national stage, the Wildcats once again proved they belong among the elite—becoming the only HBCU and only SIAC program to ever reach the NCAA Elite Eight and doing so for the second time in program history.

Individual accolades reflected the program’s high standard: seven All-SIAC honors, including Player of the Year, Setter of the Year, and Coach of the Year, plus six SIAC Athlete of the Week selections. The team placed four on the SIAC All-Tournament Team, including the Tournament MVP, and earned an athletic All-American selection. FVSU also had two players named to the SIAC All-Academic Team, showcasing the program’s commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.

Softball

·        Outstanding Athlete Lauren Haskins, Stillman College, the two-time HBCU Makeda Excellence Softball Award winner was the HBCUAC Hitter and Player of the Year, helping Stillman to a 15-0 conference record and regular season and tournament HBCUAC titles. First Team NAIA All-American. She finished the season with a .513 average, 81 hits, three doubles, eight triples, eight home runs, 46 RBIs, and a 1.348 OPS. She holds the Stillman single-season stolen bases record, stealing 52 bases in 52 attempts —a 1.000 stolen base percentage —both Stillman records, breaking her previous stolen base record of 51, set back in 2023. She accounted for 102 of Stillman’s 342 total runs scored in 2025.

·        Outstanding Coach Joel Penfield, Stillman College, led Stillman to its third-straight 30-win season with a 33-13 record and second NAIA Tournament appearance.  The Tigers went 15-0 in the HBCUAC to win the regular season and won the conference tournament with a 3-0 mark in the tournament.

Moolah Kicks Women’s Basketball

·        Outstanding Athlete Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State University,
- 2025 MEAC Player of the Year
- All-MEAC First Team and All-MEAC Defensive Team Selection
- 2025 Beck Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Semifinalist
- BOXTOROW HBCU Player of the Year
- BOXTOROW HBCU All-America First Team
- Dawn Staley Award Later Season Watchlist
- Named Women's College All-Star Game MVP
- Borke the all-time single season school record for 3-pointers made with 70
- Single Season Division I School Record for points (633), field goals made (262), and 3-pointers made (70)
- MEAC Player of the Week nine times and MEAC Defensive Player of the Week twice
- Averaged 18.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 3.6 steals per game
- Ranked fifth in the nation in steals per game
- Led the MEAC in points (18.9), assist to turnover ratio (1.9), and steals (3.6)
- Scored in double figures all 35 games

·        Outstanding Coach Larry Vickers, Norfolk State University, 
- Program record 30 wins
- Finished the season 30-5
- Won the MEAC Regular season title with a perfect 14-0 record
- Won the MEAC Tournament Championship for the third consecutive season
- Recorded two power four wins at Missouri and at Auburn
- Named Kay Yow National Coach of the Year
- MEAC Coach of the Year and MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Coach
- BOXTOROW Co-Coach of the Year
- Coached the MEAC Player of the Year and BOXTOROW HBCU Player of the Year Diamond Johnson
- Also coached the MEAC Sixth Player of the Year Anjanae Richardson
- Two All-MEAC First Team Selections
- Two All-MEAC Third Team Selections

Women’s Cross-Country

·        Outstanding Athlete Joslyn Crosby, Howard University, won the 2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Cross Country Individual title at the league championships with a record-setting performance. The Louisiana native posted a 17:15.10 time while being named MEAC Outstanding Performer. Crosby wrapped up her cross-country career at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals where she finished in the top half with a 21:44.80 time. Academically, Crosby was named to the MEAC Cross Country All-Academic Team.

·        Outstanding Coach Eric Pilcher, Tougaloo College, has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and coaching excellence as the head coach of Tougaloo College’s Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs. His impact during the 2024 season has been nothing short of historic, achieving milestones that have elevated the program to unprecedented heights.

Coach Pilcher led the Women’s Cross Country team to a second-place finish at the 2024 HBCUAC Championship, the highest finish in school history. His leadership not only advanced the team’s competitive stature but also fostered the development of standout performers, with two runners earning All-Conference honors and qualifying for the 2024 NAIA National Championship.

Coach Eric Pilcher’s commitment to excellence, athlete development, and team success has redefined the trajectory of Tougaloo College’s Cross Country program. His leadership has inspired a new era of competitiveness and pride.

Women’s Golf

·        Outstanding Athlete Paris Fieldings, Howard University, became the first Bison in school history to win the conference's individual title. The Virginia native posted a 227 (+11) in 54 holes of action. After winning the NEC (Northeast Conference) individual crown, Fieldings competed in the NCAA Charlottesville Regional where she placed sixth as an individual.

Fieldings also became the first Bison in program history to win the NEC Player of the Year award. In her first season at The Mecca, she averaged 74.8 strokes per round with six top 10 finishes.

Academically, she made the NEC Spring Academic Honors and CSC (College Sports Communicators) At-Large Division I All-District Team.

·        Outstanding Coach Will Ware, Central State University, has exemplified what it means to lead with vision, purpose, and impact. As the founding head coach of Central State University's new golf program, Coach Ware faced the daunting task of building a team from the ground up—beginning just weeks before the academic year started. With limited time and resources, he recruited and developed a group of student-athletes, many of whom had never played golf before, and transformed them into competitive collegiate golfers.

The growth and progress seen within the women’s program under his leadership was nothing short of extraordinary. Coach Ware’s ability to teach, inspire, and foster confidence in first-time athletes is a testament to his coaching acumen and his unwavering belief in student potential.

What truly sets Coach Ware apart is his passionate commitment to growing the game of golf among Black student-athletes and underserved communities. Beyond campus, he has worked diligently to introduce the sport to youth in the city of Dayton—offering instruction, mentorship, and access to a game that has historically lacked diversity and inclusion.

Thanks to Coach Ware’s leadership and dedication, Central State’s golf program is not only in capable hands but is positioned to thrive for years to come.

Women’s Track & Field

·        Outstanding Athlete Kevell Byrd, Dillard University, had an impressive senior season. She achieved remarkable times in both the 100m and 200m races. Her personal best came this season in the 100m (11.59) and 200m (23.51). In 2025, Byrd was honored as the Track MVP in the HBCU Athletic Conference, winning the 100m, 200m & 400m sprints. She also earned the title of Indoor NAIA All-American in the 200m and 400m. Byrd continued to excel outdoors. She finished as the national runner-up in the 200m (23.51) and secured third-place in the 100m.

·        Outstanding Coach Nile Legania, Dillard University, received the title of 2025 HBCUAC Coach of the Year for the third year in a row. His women's team secured its fourth consecutive championship title. Legania completed the conference championship with 55 All-HBCUAC runners, along with track MVP Kevell Byrd and field MVP Reign Snowden. The women scored 277 points, which was more than 100 points ahead of the team in second place. Legania achieved eight NAIA All-American titles this season, along with two third place finishes and one second-place finish at the national level.

Women’s Volleyball

·        Outstanding Athlete Armoni Harris, Southern University at New Orleans, a powerhouse on the defensive end, earned All-HBCUAC First Team honors. She led the conference in digs per set and ranked fifth in total digs with 319 during the regular season. In conference games alone, Harris commanded the leaderboard with 234 total digs and 5.2 digs per set during the regular season. She showed remarkable control on the court, committing just 27 errors in 485 receptions, which places her fourth-best in the HBCUAC. Known as a "court general," Harris orchestrated plays, guided her teammates, and ensured consistent passes to the setters.

·        Co-Outstanding Coach Hal Clifton, North Carolina A&T State University, was named CAA Coach of the Year, becoming the first A&T head coach in A&T Athletics history to earn a coach of the year honor from the CAA. It was no small effort to replace Naiya Sawtelle and Kaili Doctor. Sawtelle is A&T's second all-time leader in kills, and Doctor was last season's CAA rookie of the year, who transferred to Eastern Michigan.

Clifton also had to replace a two-year starter at setter in Chiara Napoli, who transferred to Chattanooga. But Howell stepped in and had a career year. The Aggies signed Ross, setter Leonor Polezzi, and freshman right side Luca Radnai during the offseason, and sophomore middle blocker Mikala Sampson came into her own this season.

Add senior leadership from Howell, Maya Johnson, Madison Sanabria, Laurel Rogers, Ceci Carter, and the Aggies had the recipe for a 17-9 season that included a 12-6 mark in the CAA. The Aggies were in the CAA tournament for the first time.

·       Co-Outstanding Coach Jessica Enderle, Fisk University,
-Over 20 wins the past two seasons
-AVCA Southeast Region Head Coach of the Year
-HBCUAC Head Coach of the Year

More Than Just Awards

The Makeda Excellence Awards transcend the moment. They reinforce the role of HBCUs as engines of Black excellence, nurturing leaders and innovators who shape the future. Each year, these awards call attention to the history, sacrifices, and potential that define HBCUs — and the stories yet to be written.

Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Southern University at New Orleans led all programs with five honorees each. Howard University, Stillman College, and Tougaloo College followed with three each. Central State University, Dillard University, and Jackson State University had two each with one each from Fisk University and Fort Valley State University rounding out the count.

Looking Forward

With four years in the books, the Makeda Excellence Awards are just getting started. The Rice FAME Group is committed to expanding the program’s reach, creating new categories, and strengthening partnerships to ensure every corner of HBCU achievement gets its due.

Conclusion

The 2023-2024 HBCU Makeda Excellence Awards don’t just crown winners — they shine a light on the enduring value of HBCUs as incubators of talent, tradition, and hope. Like their namesake, Queen Makeda, this year’s honorees inspire, challenge, and lift others. The Rice FAME Group congratulates all the winners, whose achievements set the bar for generations to come.

*All narratives were submitted by each athletic program with minor edits for comprehension purposes.

By Lacy L. Rice Jr. Executive Director, Rice FAME Group

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For Immediate Release