SAVANNAH, Ga.- The Savannah State University Department of Athletics held their Athletics Banquet to honor and recognize the achievements of its student-athletes during the 2022-23 academic year in the classroom and the playing field.

The annual event, which took place on the SSU campus in the Student Union Building, serves as an opportunity to showcase and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes at Savannah State.

The theme of the 2023 banquet was "Through the Decades" and attendees came dressed in attire from various decades such as the 1970's, '80's and of course the 2000's. Prizes were handed out to the best dressed team, player and coach.
 
The best dressed team award went to the softball team, Yastrezemeski Johnson (men's track) and Ziahya Griffin (softball) were the best dressed players while head cross country/track & field coach Theodore Whitaker won the best dressed coach prize.

Also during the banquet, the Savannah State Community Booster Club presented two student-athletes the prestigious W. W. Law Athletic Scholarships. The 2023 recipients are Ameer Phillips and Sunzahra Banks. Phillips is a freshman linebacker on the football team and hails from Savannah while Banks is a sophomore on the tennis team and is from Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla.

Senior women's basketball player Bria Gibbs was recognized for scoring the 1,000^th point in her career this season.

The awards ceremony featured a highlight video of the 2022-23 athletic season along with individual awards as well as remarks from the Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki and head coaches.  

Baseball
Offensive Player of the Year – Joe Smith
Pitcher of the Year – Enrico Peele
Newcomer of the Year – Merritt Evans II
 
Volleyball
Most Valuable Player/Leadership Award - Destinee Langston
Freshman of the Year - Allena Norton
Coach's Award - Jasmine Nettes
 
Softball
Offensive Player of the Year - Samantha Morales
Defensive Player of the Year- Kayla McDuffie
Rookie of the Year - Kylie Rhymer
Rookie of the Year - Ziahya Griffin
Mental Toughness Award- Demonee Miles
Mental Toughness Award- Katrie-ana Bradshaw
 
Men's Basketball
Most Valuable Player - Eleik Bowles
Coach's Award - Elavian Bowles
Defensive Player of the year - Andrew Okorodudu
Senior Captain Award - Larson Ashford
 
Track & Field
Outstanding Field Female - Sadrea Mabry
Outstanding Field Male - Aiden Holliman
Outstanding Female Distance - Kayla Chance
Outstanding Male Distance - Erik Roberts
Outstanding Female Sprints - Ravyn Cystrunk
Outstanding Male Sprints - Winfred Porter
Coaches Award - Erik Roberts
 
Tennis
Most Valuable Player - Padmasree Murugan 
Most Improved Player - Sarah Joachim
Most Improved Player - Stella Ekwalla
 
Football
Offensive Player of The Year - Jadon Adams
Defensive Player of The Year - Makenley Newbill
Lineman of the Year - Ri'yon Adams
Newcomer of the Year - Tavare Brewton
Team Impact Player of Year - DaShun Mitchell
 
Women's Basketball
Co-Most Valuable Player - Nyla Allen
Co-Most Valuable Player - Bria Gibbs
Newcomer of the Year - Myasia Jones
Most Improved Player - Jashiyah Jones
Best All Around Player - Amari Heard
Coach's Award - Paris Thompson