TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida College System Activities Association has announced the 2026 Scholar-Athlete of the Year winners across 13 different sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, softball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, women's tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball.
From a total of 36 nominees, 13 individuals were selected through a process coordinated by various FCSAA sport chairs.
The 13 individual winners are now under consideration for FCSAA Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which are part of the FCSAA's Annual Awards that also includes Male and Female Athlete of the Year and Male and Female Academic Teams of the Year.
Beach Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Hailey Tharp, Florida State College at Jacksonville
So. | Newberry, Fla.
Demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence throughout her two years at FSCJ, maintaining a cumulative 3.74 GPA and graduating with honors in May 2026...earned Dean's List recognition in Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 and made the President's List in Spring 2025 and Spring 2026 when she achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA...dedicated 60 hours to community service over the past two years...lauded for her character and leadership qualities...will continue her academic and athletic career at Truett McConnell University and pursue a degree in exercise science.
"Hailey Tharp embodies the values of academic excellence, athletic dedication and community engagement. She is most deserving of the FCSAA's Beach Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award." - Jerry Thor, Director of Athletics, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Other nominees: Audrey Pickle, Lake-Sumter State
|
Hal Chasey Award (men's basketball)
|
Tyrese Lacey, Daytona State
So. | Birmingham, England
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a 3.65 GPA...earned Dean's List and President's List recognition throughout his time as a DSC student...two-year starter for the Falcons, serving as Team Captain during his sophomore season...helped Daytona State to back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA National Tournament...led the nation in assists (7.0 apg) in 2025-26 and also averaged 13.2 points...characterized as a young man of exceptional character, leadership and potential.
"Tyrese's leadership, unselfishness, and commitment to excellence defines his excellence. Earning the Hal Chasey Award is a true reflection of the impact he's made on our program, in the classroom, and in the lives of those around him. These qualities have made him an invaluable member of our program and will continue to serve him well in the future." - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Hal Chasey was a long-time supporter of athletics at the former Manatee Community College, now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and the FCSAA.
|
Sandy Miller Award (women's basketball)
|
Malanie Francis, Santa Fe
So. | Mandeville, Jamaica
Graduated with Distinction from Santa Fe in Spring 2026...achieved a cumulative 3.53 GPA...Dean's List student throughout her time with the Saints...on track for a degree in nursing, she added an alternative degree track of business in order to major in health care administration as well as nursing when she attends the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff...known as a student who has a heart for giving back, she routinely volunteered for community service events.
"I am proud of Mal for receiving this honor. Sandy Miller's passing in February reminds us of how fortunate we were at SF to have someone of her impact. She made such a difference in her time as a coach and assistant region director. Mal, too, made a huge difference in her time at Santa Fe, taking courses towards a health-related degree track, encountering challenges along the way but all the while giving back to our community. Mal made a difference in each community service event she attended and we are so thankful that she brought her basketball talents to Santa Fe. We wish her well next year as she suits up for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff." - Chanda Stebbins, Director of Athletics, Santa Fe College
Other nominees: Mistura Badmus, Florida State College at Jacksonville; Ceylone Brooks, Daytona State
Sandy Miller was a coach at Santa Fe College, long-time chair of the Women's Basketball Committee and former NJCAA Assistant Region Director.
|
Larry Monts Award (men's cross country)
|
Spencer Lawrence, Daytona State
So. | St. Augustine, Fla.
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2025 and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree...has achieved an overall 3.75 GPA and has a perfect 4.0 GPA in courses at Daytona State...earned President's List recognition throughout his time at Daytona State...played an integral part on the Falcons' FCSAA Championship teams in both 2024 and 2025...also participated in the NJCAA Half Marathon both seasons...volunteered at numerous local road races.
"Spencer's leadership, dedication, and selflessness truly showcases what makes him special. Earning the Larry Monts Award is a reflection of the impact he's made in the classroom, in competition, and in our community. He has been a great ambassador for Daytona State College and has consistently proven to be an upstanding student-athlete" - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Marc Rodriguez, Seminole State
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
|
Larry Monts Award (women's cross country)
|
Wileily Labori, South Florida State
So. | Winter Park, Fla.
Graduated from South Florida State College in May 2026 with a 3.61 GPA...earned President's List recognition in three of her four semesters at SFSC...two-time All-Academic honoree by both the FCSAA and NJCAA...integral part of the Panthers' success on the trails over the last two seasons...lauded as a great teammate who strives for excellence...demonstrated a giving nature in the volunteer field...activities included Sertoma Golf Tournament, SFSC Foundation Million Dollar Hole in One Shootout and Woodlawn Elementary School Fall Fun Fest...will continue her academic and athletic careers at Florida Polytechnic University this fall.
"I had the opportunity to coach Wileily for two years at SFSC. When I met her, she was very excited at the opportunity to continue her running career in college and, throughout her time on the Cross Country team, she consistently held the one or two spot in races. Wileily's demeanor is quiet and complete with an assuring smile, so she doesn't fill a room with unnecessary chatter; when she speaks, it is worth a listen. Her care for academics is exceptional, as she likes to be involved and make a difference, leading by example both on the course and in the classroom. She easily became the team mom to her peers, with her supportive spirit. I am excited to see what her future holds as she continues both her academics and running career at Florida Polytechnic University." - Christi Bobo, Head Cross Country Coach, South Florida State College
Other nominees: Rachel Horsford, Seminole State
Larry Monts was a coach and professor at the former Florida Community College at Jacksonville, now Florida State College at Jacksonville, from 1967 to 2001. He coached both men's and women's cross country and track & field, led FCCJ to two cross country national championships and coached 43 NJCAA All-Americans.
|
Vicki Schnurr Award (women's tennis)
|
Salomea Jasiczek, Hillsborough
So. | Kieczówek, Poland
Graduated from Hillsborough College in May with a perfect 4.00 GPA, reflecting not only her intelligence and discipline but also a remarkable ability to balance rigorous coursework with the demands of elite collegiate athletics...played a pivotal role in back-to-back FCSAA and NJCAA National Championships for the Hawks...a three-time NJCAA All-American, earning national titles in singles in 2025 and both singles and doubles in 2026...will continue her academic and athletic careers at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi this fall.
"Salomea is an exceptional student-athlete whose academic achievements, competitive excellence and unwavering dedication made her an oustanding candidate for this recognition. Her athletic accolades are equally extraordinary. Beyond the accomplishments, she has been a model representative of our program and an inspiration to her teammates." - Sarah Lytle, Director of Athletics/Head Women's Tennis Coach, Hillsborough College
Vicki Schnurr was Chair of the State Tennis Committee and Coach at Hillsborough Community College.
|
Roberta Stokes Award (volleyball)
|
Jessica Horn, St. Johns River State
Fr. | Plainfield, Ill.
A Pre-Med major, she graduated from SJR State with a perfect 4.0 GPA...achieved excellence in the classroom while navigating both the indoor and beach volleyball campaigns for the Vikings...helped SJR State to the 2025 FCSAA DII Championship and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player...earned First-team All-America honors in 2025 as well as First-team All-Academic honors...member of the SJR State Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Pi Beta Kappa.
"Jessica is deserving of this award based upon her accomplishments as a scholar, an athlete and as an ambassador of our college. She personifies what every coach wants in a student-athlete and is a young woman of unquestionable character that comes along only once in a coach's career." - Ross Jones, Director of Athletics, St. Johns River State College
Other nominees: Pamela DeJesus Tejedor, Hillsborough; Rezzan Guner, Polk State; Kailyn Howard, Santa Fe; Ella Jonasova, Florida State College at Jacksonville; Maria Milicevic, Florida SouthWestern; Charizma Lofton, Daytona State
Roberta Stokes was a longtime Volleyball Coach at Miami Dade College-Kendall Campus.
|
Bill Tuten Award (baseball)
|
Kustarr Webb, Polk State
So. | Jacksonville, Fla.
Completed his A.A. degree at Polk State College in May 2026, achieving a perfect 4.00 GPA and graduating Summa Cum Laude...earned Male Athlete of the Year honors from Polk State in 2026...on the diamond, he was a two-year starter for the Eagles...batted .479 as a freshman before batting through an injury-plagued 2026 season...finished his sophomore campaign with five home runs and 37 RBI...was Polk State's Team Captain...off the field, he read to and mentored elementary students in the local schools...participated in numerous camps and clinics for the local community as well as the MLK Parade and City of Winter Haven Christmas parade...will continue his academic and athletic careers at Bethune-Cookman University this fall.
"Kustarr fought through injury and adversity during his time with our program, but he continued to put the work in on the field and in the classroom. He exemplifies what our program is all about and what it means to be a Polk State student-athlete." - Al Corbeil, Head Baseball Coach, Polk State College
Other nominees: Brady Byers, Lake-Sumter State; Greg Caban, Florida SouthWestern; Gehrig Graham, South Florida State; Elijah Hurt, Seminole State; Stephen Joyce, Santa Fe; Tyler Borton, Daytona State
Bill Tuten served as the FCSAA Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region 8 Director for 24 years, representing St. Johns River Community College. A member of the FCSAA Hall of Fame, Tuten's high regard for the importance of a quality education along with athletic opportunities for student-athletes has been a driving force for academic excellence in Florida.
|
Jean Williams Award (softball)
|
Ava Unser, Daytona State
So. | Moose Jaw, SK, Canada
A Phi Theta Kappa Graduate with High Honors at Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA with President's List recognition throughout her time as a student-athlete with the Falcons...received DSC's Female Scholar-Athlete Award in 2026...a two-time All-Citrus Conference performer and earned second-team All-FCSAA honors in 2025...leaves Daytona State as the school's all-time record holder in wins (34) and strikeouts (296)...also phenomenal in the community, volunteering at toy drives during the holiday season, youth softball camps, beach cleanups and also made and donated blankets for the homeless...earned a scholarship to USC Upstate, where she will continue her academic and athletic careers this fall.
"Ava's drive, excellence, and commitment to others truly set her apart. Earning the Jean Williams Award reflects the incredible impact she's made in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. To say Ava is worthy of recognition or any award she could possibly receive would be an understatement." - Alison Mohr, Associate Athletic Director, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Mallory Collier, Tallahassee State; Maya Hegedus, Lake-Sumter State; Leia Hurst, Polk State; Lizzy Kwakernaak, Florida SouthWestern; Belle Mancillas, Santa Fe; Alexa Jimenez Marin, South Florida State; Mia Rosario, Seminole State; Bree Urban, State College of Florida
Jean Williams was the softball coach at the former Lake City Community College, now Florida Gateway College, and also served as the FCSAA Women's Athletics Commissioner and NJCAA Region Director for more than 20 years.
|
Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Emma Wells, Daytona State
So. | Jacksonville, Fla.
Graduated with High Honors from Daytona State College in December 2025...achieved a perfect 4.00 GPA and President's List recognition wire-to-wire...member of the 2026 NJCAA National Champions and an integral part of the Falcons' program for the past two seasons...extremely dedicated to her success in the classroom and always strives to be the best she can both on and off the course...will continue pursuing a business degree at Jacksonville University.
"I couldn't be more proud of Emma for earning the FCSAA Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award. She exemplifies excellence, discipline, and integrity on and off the course. This honor is incredibly well-deserved." - Laura Brown, Head Women's Golf Coach, Daytona State College
|
Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Julianna Trujillo, Daytona State
So. | Cocoa, Fla.
Graduated with Honors from Daytona State College in May 2026...achieved a 3.69 GPA...led the Falcons to FCSAA Championships in 2024 and 2025 and is a two-time NJCAA National Champion...two-time NJCAA All-American...FCSAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024...was recognized by DSC with the Outstanding Student Award for her contributions to the college and community and was inducted into the Hall of Fame...has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Virginia Tech.
"Julianna's great self-discipline, positive peer leadership, quality work ethic, loyalty and integrity sets a high standard for herself and those around her every day. Earning the FCSAA Women's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award is a testament to the impact she's made on our program and in the classroom. She's truly earned this recognition." - Hope Clark, Head Women's Soccer Coach, Daytona State College
Other nominees: Paula Cortijo, Polk State
|
Men's Golf Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Tripp Watkins, Lake-Sumter State
So. | Lady Lake, Fla.
Completed his A.A. degree at Lake-Sumter State College in May 2026...achieved a 3.45 GPA...earned FCSAA All-Academic honors...helped the Lakehawks' continue to make strides on the links, earning a top 25 national ranking...demonstrated a commitment to serving both the college and local community...volunteered at the LSSC Foundation Gala and LSSC Athletics Golf Classic.
"Tripp played a pivotal role in establishing our men's golf program the last two years. He helped set the standard for future Lakehawk golfers. He is a fierce competitor whose commitment to excellence has elevated everyone around him. Earning FCSAA Golfer of the Year is a well-deserved honor and further solidifies the legacy he leaves both on and off the course." - Jay Miller, Director of Athletics, Lake-Sumter State College
|
Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award
|
Kyle Bernardo, Daytona State
So. | Orlando, Fla.
Graduated with High Honors from Daytona State College in December 2025...achieved a 3.97 GPA...multiple President's List honors...helped the Falcons claim the FCSAA Championship in 2025, eventually advancing to the NJCAA National Championship match...overcame personal challenges during high school, proving that his journey is not defined by early setbacks but by how he overcame them...considered a role model for his peers and a young man whose story will continue to inspire others...earned a scholarship to the University of Albany, where he will continue his academic and athletic careers this fall.
"Kyle's journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and growth. Earning the FCSAA Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete Award reflects the hard work and character he brings every day. In every sense, Kyle Bernardo represents what it means to be a scholar-athlete" - Joe Avallone, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Daytona State College
|
For more FCSAA Annual Awards coverage, follow the FCSAA on Facebook, X and Instagram at "TheFCSAA."
