HBCU Sports announced the categories Wednesday for the highly anticipated inaugural HBCU Sports Awards, set to take place on July 27. The awards will feature 46 categories, honoring individual, team, and administrative achievements across HBCU athletics.
The categories have been divided into three main sections: student-athletes, head coaches, and athletic administrators. In total, 24 categories will recognize the outstanding performances of student-athletes, 12 will highlight the achievements of head coaches, and 10 will celebrate the contributions of athletic administrators, in addition to two lifetime achievement awards that will be awarded.
Categories recognizing student-athletes: (24)
• Football: Defensive Player of the Year
• Football: Offensive Player of the Year
• Men’s Basketball: Player of the Year
• Women’s Basketball: Player of the Year
• Baseball: Player of the Year
• Softball: Player of the Year
• Women’s Volleyball: Player of the Year
• Men’s Tennis: Player of the Year
• Women’s Tennis: Player of the Year
• Men’s Track & Field: Sprinter of the Year
• Men’s Track & Field: Runner of the Year
• Men’s Track & Field: Athlete of the Year
• Women’s Track & Field: Sprinter of the Year
• Women’s Track & Field: Runner of the Year
• Women’s Track & Field: Athlete of the Year
• Bowling: Bowler of the Year
• Women’s Soccer: Player of the Year
• Men’s Cross Country: Runner of the Year
• Women’s Cross Country: Runner of the Year
• Men’s Golf: Golfer of the Year
• Women’s Golf: Golfer of the Year
• Women’s Soccer: Player of the Year
• Male Student-Athlete of the Year (Includes all sports)
• Female Student-Athlete of the Year (Includes all sports)
Categories recognizing head coaches: (12)
• Football Coach of the Year
• Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year
• Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year
• Baseball Coach of the Year
• Softball Coach of the Year
• Volleyball Coach of the Year
• Tennis Coach of the Year
• Track & Field Coach of the Year
• Bowling Coach of the Year
• Cross Country Coach of the Year
• Golf Coach of the Year
• Soccer Coach of the Year
Categories recognizing athletic administrators: (10)
• Sports Information Director of the Year
• Best Broadcaster
• Best Social Media Presence (Athletic Program)
• Athletic Conference of the Year
• Conference Commissioner of the Year
• Conference Media Relations Director of the Year
• Athletic Director of the Year
• Athletic Program of the Year
Special Categories
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Male)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (Female)
Kenn Rashad, founder and publisher of HBCU Sports, expressed excitement about the upcoming event. “This is a historic moment for us, and we are thrilled to recognize the exceptional talent within HBCU athletics. The support we’ve received so far has been overwhelming, and we look forward to celebrating these incredible individuals.”
The final categories will be officially announced by the end of May, with nominations following in late June or early July.
