The Nominees are in for the 2025 Gamecock Gala

The nominees are in for the 2025 Gamecock Gala

The Gamecock Gala is an annual celebration hosted by the University of South Carolina Athletics to honor the achievements of its student-athletes across various sports. The 2024 edition, held on April 21, 2024, at Colonial Life Arena, recognized outstanding performances from the 2023–2024 academic year. The event was emceed by volleyball’s Oby Anadi and basketball’s Ta’Lon Cooper.​University of South Carolina AthleticsThe State+1Garnet and Cocky+1Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1

 Major Award Winners

• Male Athlete of the Year: Xavier Legette (Football)
  Legette had an exceptional season, earning All-American honors and the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy. He recorded 71 receptions for 1,255 yards, ranking fifth and second in program history, respectively, and was eighth nationally in receiving yards per game. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1ABC Columbia+1

• Female Athlete of the Year: Kamilla Cardoso (Women’s Basketball)
  Cardoso was a pivotal figure in the Gamecocks’ undefeated season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and the Albany 1 Regional, and was the program’s first WBCA Defensive Player of the Year. ​Garnet and Cocky+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3Garnet and Cocky+3

Academic and Leadership Honors

• H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Award – Female: Ayana Akli (Women’s Tennis)
  Akli demonstrated excellence both on the court and in the classroom, earning this prestigious award. ​scchamber.net+3Garnet and Cocky+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3

• H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Award – Male: Kai Kroeger (Football)
  Kroeger was recognized for his academic achievements and contributions to the football team. ​The State+5University of South Carolina Athletics+5Garnet and Cocky+5

• Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service Award – Female: Emilia Reutimann (Equestrian)
  Reutimann was honored for her significant community service efforts. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1University of South Carolina Athletics+2Garnet and Cocky+2Garnet and Cocky+2

• Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service Award – Male: Daniel West (Swimming and Diving)
  West received this award for his dedication to community service. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1University of South Carolina Athletics

• Dodie Academic MVP Award: Junior Saint Juste (Men’s Soccer)
  Saint Juste was recognized for his academic excellence and athletic performance. ​Garnet and Cocky+2University of South Carolina Athletics+2Garnet and Cocky+2

• New Student-Athlete of the Year: Te-Hina Paopao (Women’s Basketball)
  Paopao made an immediate impact in her first year with the team. ​jespermkristiansen.pages.dev+3Garnet and Cocky+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3SI+1SI+1

• Freshman of the Year – Female: MiLaysia Fulwiley (Women’s Basketball) and JaMeesia Ford (Track & Field)
  Both athletes showcased outstanding performances in their inaugural seasons. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1

• Freshman of the Year – Male: Collin Murray-Boyles (Men’s Basketball)
  Murray-Boyles was recognized for his impressive freshman campaign. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1University of South Carolina Athletics

• Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Female: Skylar Allen (Beach Volleyball)
  Allen excelled academically while competing at a high level in beach volleyball. ​University of South Carolina Athletics+1Garnet and Cocky+1

• Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Male: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (Men’s Basketball) and Anass Essayi (Track & Field)
  Both athletes were honored for their academic achievements alongside their athletic prowess. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1University of South Carolina Athletics

Team and Special Awards

• Team Impact Award: Women’s Soccer Team
  The team was recognized for their significant contributions to the athletic department. ​The State+3Garnet and Cocky+3University of South Carolina Athletics+3

• Gamecock Leadership Award: Oby Anadi (Indoor Volleyball)
  Anadi was honored for her leadership both on and off the court. ​Garnet and Cocky+1University of South Carolina Athletics+1

• Gamecock Inspiration Award: Hannah Mackenhausen (Beach Volleyball)
  Mackenhausen inspired her peers through her dedication and resilience. ​University of South Carolina Athletics+1Garnet and Cocky+1

• Class Clown: David Cromer (Baseball)
  Cromer was recognized for his lighthearted spirit and sense of humor. ​Garnet and Cocky

• Best Dressed: Emerson Madonia (Equestrian)
  Madonia stood out for her impeccable fashion sense during the gala. ​The State+4Garnet and Cocky+4scchamber.net+4

Event Highlights

The gala featured a festive atmosphere with a served dinner, silent auction, and a dance party with live music from the Emerald Empire Band. Attendees were encouraged to dress in “Gamecock Festive Cocktail” attire. The event also honored the class of 1974’s 50th reunion and celebrated the 2024 Alumni Award Winners. ​uofscalumni.org

For more information about the Gamecock Gala and upcoming events, visit the University of South Carolina Alumni Association’s website.