On Saturday, May 2, the Bob Jones University Bruins Athletic Department hosted student-athletes, family and friends for the annual awards ceremony as they celebrated the accomplishments from the 2025-26 academic year. Eleven awards were handed out at The Brodys highlighting individual as well as team accomplishments. 

Following the awards portion of the evening, Clemson football's defensive coordinator shared how God has worked and directed his life in the world of athletics. His conversation was moderated by Emmy award-winning meteorologist and BJU alumnus, Tim Simpson.

Male Student-Athlete of the Year - Shad Vander Hart, Men's Basketball



Senior forward Shad Vander Hart anchored the Bruins basketball team with dominant play on both ends of the floor. Starting in all 22 games, Shad averaged an impressive 19.8 points and 11 rebounds per game. His outstanding season earned him NCCAA South Region Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors in the post-season. He now sits in the top-three in program history in steals, rebounds, and blocks.

Nominees: Shad Vander Hart (Men's Basketball), Brandon Autry (Golf), Henry Rumble (Baseball), Will Stark (Track & Field)

Female Student-Athlete of the Year - Francesca Aurednik, Women's Soccer



Senior forward Francesca Aurednik was named NCCAA South Region Player of the Year, NCCAA National Player of the Year, and earned National Tournament MVP honors after leading the Bruins on the national stage. Appearing in 21 games, she recorded 14 goals and one assist while consistently creating scoring opportunities with 40 shots on goal, showcasing elite offensive production and impact.

Nominees: Francesca Aurednik (Women's Soccer), Anna Layne Wylder (Women's Basketball), Hannah Goodwin (Volleyball), Margaret Cummings (Women's Soccer)

Freshman of the Year - Bucky Provenzano, Men's Soccer



Bucky Provenzano made an immediate impact for the Bruins men's soccer program, appearing in 17 games with 11 starts during his debut season. He contributed offensively with four goals and five assists while also delivering several key set pieces that created scoring opportunities. His strong all-around performance earned him First Team All-American honors, marking an outstanding start to his collegiate career.

Nominees: Bucky Provenzano (Men's Soccer), DJ Waller (Golf), Henry Rumble (Baseball), Savannah Taylor (Women's Basketball), Judah Nash (Cross Country/Track & Field)

Comeback Player of the Year - Emily Walton, Track & Field

 

After tearing her ACL last year, Emily Walton worked tirelessly to return to competition for the track & field team. Back on the track this season, she has set multiple personal bests throughout the year and looks to finish her senior season strong.

Nominees: Emily Walton (Track & Field), Dillon Harris (Men's Basketball), Bethany Estell (Volleyball), Elli Cummings (Women's Soccer)

Scholar Athlete of the Year - Lauren Jones, Cross Country/Track & Field



The Scholar-Athlete award is given to the student-athlete who has the highest GPA during their time here at BJU based on the number of credit hours earned, quality points, and time spent competing in their sport. Throughout her collegiate career, Lauren Jones has competed on both the cross country and track & field teams. While earning a degree in Biology, Lauren has maintained a 3.96 GPA.

Team of the Year - Men's Cross Country



The men's cross country team continued its tradition of excellence with an outstanding regular season schedule that prepared them for championship success. At the national championship race in Joplin, Missouri, the Bruins claimed their 10th consecutive national title in dominant fashion. With five athletes finishing inside the top ten, the team demonstrated remarkable discipline and championship-level consistency.

Nominees: Men's Cross Country, Baseball, Men's Basketball, Women's Soccer

Moment of the Year - Carter McCarn's Three-Point Scoring Spree



On February 6, the men's basketball team faced off against region opponent Southeastern Baptist College. With seven minutes remaining in the game, freshman Carter McCarn sank his first three-pointer of the game and just kept going. He ended the game with a season high 25 points, going 8-9 from the three-point line in the win.

Nominees: Carter McCarn's Three-Point Scoring Spree, Volleyball team's upset victory over PCC, Men's Cross Country Team's Championship Run, Jacob Highsmith's Walk-off Winner against Toccoa Falls. 

Staff Members of the Year - Sha'Ron Brunson & Gracen Ledford, Women's Basketball



The Staff Member of the Year award honors those who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout the year. Through their hard work and willingness to support others, they embody the values and mission of our organization. This year's recipients are assistant women's basketball coaches, Sha'Ron Brunson and Gracen Ledford.

Nominees: Sha'Ron Brunson (Women's Basketball), Gracen Ledford (Women's Basketball), Chris Carmichael (Women's Soccer), Tony Miller (Men's Basketball), Trenton Goldsmith (Athletic Communications)

Brenneman Servant Award - Patrick Robbins



The Brenneman Servant Award is presented in memory of Mr. Sam Brenneman. Sam served for over 21 years in various positions in facility operations at the University. He was an integral part of supporting the Bruins athletics department through various projects over the years. His tireless efforts often went on behind the scenes as Sam and his team helped to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. Sam was a friend of the Bruins and often spent much time cheering the teams on from the stands at games.

Since the start of the Bruins Athletic Department in 2012, Patrick Robbins has been an integral part in helping run our scorers table. He used his knowledge of sports to help keep book for basketball, volleyball, and baseball games. For the majority of all home games, you could find Patrick faithfully working at the scorers table.

Male Heart of the Bruin Award - Misha Gray, Track & Field



Misha Gray exemplifies the Heart of the Bruin through Christ-centered leadership and service. As captain of the track & field team and President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, he leads and encourages others both spiritually and athletically. He has had an impressive season, putting together several strong performances for the team. His heart for Christ is evident in his actions, including spending spring break serving on a missions trip in El Salvador.

Nominees: Misha Gray (Track & Field), Evan Johnson (Baseball), Kyle Prouse (Baseball)

Female Heart of the Bruin Award - Faith McClary, Women's Basketball



Faith McClary exemplified the Heart of the Bruin through her servant's spirit, and commitment to others. Faith encouraged her teammates both on and off the court. She totaled 100 points and 44 rebounds for the team this season. She invested time serving alongside her team at the Brutonton Community Center and volunteered at the Greenville Detention Center, demonstrating a desire to impact the community and live out her faith through action.

Nominees: Faith McClary (Women's Basketball), Reagan Tierney (Women's Soccer), Emily Walton (Track & Field)
 

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