Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA Foundation has announced its inaugural awards event, presented by the Nicole & David Tepper Foundation, to celebrate the best in two-year college athletics virtually on Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 PM ET. To coincide with the awards event, the National Office has also announced the creation of the NJCAA Hall of Fame, made possible by the Foundation with its inaugural class to be recognized at the virtual event.
Along with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the NJCAA Foundation awards event will honor the association's three annual individual student-athlete awards – the Betty Jo Graber Female Student-Athlete of the Year, the David Rowlands Male Student-Athlete of the Year, and the Lea Plarski Award. For more information on the award and previous winners, visit: NJCAA Student-Athletes of the Year.
Designed to tell the story of the NJCAA, the NJCAA Hall of Fame seeks to honor individuals who have paved the way for opportunities at the two-year level – athletically, professionally, and those who have impacted the association through other areas of influence. Inductees to the Hall of Fame include administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and meritorious contributors.
Two additional awards will be recognized for the first time in the history of the association as well – the Champion Award that honors a member or former member of the NJCAA community who exemplifies resilience, excellence, and passion and the Difference Maker Award that honors a supporter of the NJCAA and the NJCAA Foundation in its endeavors. Last year, the inaugural event was postponed due to COVID-19. This year, the virtual event will be free for attendees through registration.
"After more than a year of unique challenges, the NJCAA Foundation is looking forward to hosting an unforgettable event," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "Some of the biggest names, not only in NJCAA history but in the sports world overall, will be recognized by this event for years to come."
The event will be headlined by keynote speaker Leonard Hamilton, current Florida State University Men's Basketball Head Coach and former NJCAA basketball student-athlete. Born in Gastonia, NC, Hamilton played baseball, basketball, and football at Gastonia Highland High School. At Gaston College from 1966-1968, he was a standout member of the men's basketball team, setting a school record by scoring 54 points in a single game.
The most successful coach in Florida State history, Hamilton is the Seminoles' all-time winningest coach and is the fifth all-time winningest coach in ACC history. The 2020-21 season marks Hamilton's 19th season at the helm of the Seminoles program. Under Hamilton, the academic achievements of his players is a long standing tradition of classroom success. During Hamilton's tenure as a head coach at Florida State, Miami and Oklahoma State dating back to 1988, more than 94 percent of his players have earned their degrees. In 2016, he was the commencement speaker at NJCAA member college Chipola College (FL).
To register for the free event and to learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Awards event, visit: HERE
About the NJCAA Foundation
Established in 2018, the mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.