RRCU, TAMUT Athletics Honor Eagles at 2026 “Nesty’s” Banquet

TEXARKANA, Texas – Texas A&M University–Texarkana Athletics, in partnership with event sponsor Red River Credit Union, hosted its annual athletics banquet, "The Nesty's," on Sunday, April 19, inside the Patterson Student Center. The event celebrated the hard work and dedication of TAMUT student-athletes throughout the 2025–26 academic year, with multiple awards presented to recognize excellence and commitment across all sports. The event began with team award presentations, where two athletes from each team were awarded a certificate honoring their efforts.

The "Gold Standard" recognition was awarded to student-athletes who exemplified a relentless pursuit of excellence through hard work, determination, and dedication both in competition and beyond. The following individuals earned this honor:

Austin Kerns (Baseball), AJ McPeters (Men's Basketball), Treasure Emeh (Women's Basketball), Austin McGee (Men's Bowling), Allison Olivia (Women's Bowling), Terrance Toliver II (Men's Cross Country), Kayla Reeves (Women's Cross Country), Kadyn Johnson (Cheer), Chloe Rojas (Dance), Brian Gallion (Esports), Rylen Caldwell (Men's Golf), Liberty Thomson (Women's Golf), Real Eguaikhide (Men's Soccer), Delani Chappell (Women's Soccer), Kamryn Walker (Softball), Glenn Parker (Men's Track & Field), Ava Ferreira (Women's Track & Field), Lucas Yamaguti (Men's Tennis), Ana Gonzalez (Women's Tennis), Riley Mangan (Beach Volleyball), Lauren Herz (Indoor Volleyball)

The "Eagle Excellence" recognition was awarded to student-athletes who made a positive impact on campus, within their teams, and in the community while exemplifying strong character and academic excellence. The following student-athletes earned this honor:

Graydon Martin (Baseball), Jyrin Sowell (Men's Basketball), Breyionce George (Women's Basketball), Aaron Hunter (Men's Bowling), Hannah Bristol (Women's Bowling), Graycen Vargo (Men's Cross Country), Zalenka Brannan (Women's Cross Country), Payton Looney (Cheer), Savannah Leeks (Dance), Williams Nguyen (Esports), Ayden Haskins (Men's Golf), Jalee Sampley (Women's Golf), David Bolarinwa (Men's Soccer), Alexia Lara (Women's Soccer), Victoria Clayton (Softball), Kolton Lybrand (Men's Track & Field), Chukwudera Emeh (Women's Track & Field), Marc Gonzalez Molina (Men's Tennis), Andrea Castillo (Women's Tennis), Haley Wells (Beach Volleyball), Macyen Doskocil (Indoor Volleyball).

The athletic department, in partnership with Red River Credit Union, also recognized its top student-athletes and coaches with major overall awards, honoring those who stood out among their peers throughout the year. The awards, presented in both male and female categories, included Soaring Eagle, Comeback Player of the Year, Play of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, Head Coach of the Year, and the evening's top honor, the RRCU Athlete of the Year.

The Soaring Eagle Award, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, and sportsmanship, was presented to Alexis Snyder (Softball) and Marc Gonzalez Molina (Men's Tennis).

The Comeback Player of the Year Award went to Lauren Cox (Softball), whose journey exemplifies resilience and courage. After being diagnosed during her sophomore year with a rare tumor measuring nearly 20 centimeters—found in less than one percent of the population—Cox underwent emergency surgery and an intense recovery that included chemotherapy. Despite the challenge, she continued her studies online and leaned on the unwavering support of her teammates, who stood beside her every step of the way. Her strength, positivity, and perspective have made a lasting impact on her team and the entire Eagle community.

The Play of the Year Awards celebrated some of the most memorable moments in Eagle Athletics. Brooke Usrey earned Female Play of the Year honors with her walk-off single to defeat No. 7 Our Lady of the Lake in conference play, while Jakari Livingston was named Male Play of the Year for his electrifying 360 dunk against Philander Smith.

Freshman of the Year honors went to Vinae Edwards (Women's Track & Field) and Desroy Jordan (Men's Track & Field) for their immediate impact in their first collegiate seasons.

The Newcomer of the Year Awards recognized standout transfers Lauren Herz (Indoor and Beach Volleyball) and Rylen Caldwell (Men's Golf) for their significant contributions in their first year with the Eagles.

Breann Jackson (Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field) was named Assistant Coach of the Year, honoring her vital role in athlete development, preparation, and program success.

Head Coach of the Year was awarded to Brian Nelson (Men's and Women's Tennis) for his leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

The night concluded with the presentation of the RRCU Athlete of the Year Awards by Red River Credit Union President and CEO Brad Bailey. This prestigious honor recognizes the top overall male and female student-athletes for their performance, leadership, and impact. Paulina Dobreva (Indoor and Beach Volleyball) was named the 2026 Female Athlete of the Year, while Deovaunta Williams (Men's Basketball) earned Male Athlete of the Year honors.

"The Nesty's" once again showcased the standard of excellence within Eagle Athletics, honoring a year defined by hard work, achievement, and commitment on and off the playing field.

View photos from the event here