COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Athletics Announces Gamecock Gala Awards
South Carolina Athletics held its annual Gamecock Gala on Monday, April 22, at Colonial Life Arena to honor the University’s top student-athletes for their accomplishments during the 2023-24 academic year.
Ayana Akli Wins President’s Award
Ayana Akli from women’s tennis clinched the top honor of the night, the President’s Award. This award is the highest accolade presented by the Athletics Department and is given annually to a student-athlete in their final year of eligibility for their exceptional talent in athletics, scholarship, leadership, and service.
Akli, a two-time All-SEC First-Team selection and 2023 ITA All-American in singles and doubles, was ranked No. 9 in the nation in singles this season. She led the Gamecocks to #19 in the nation ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Legette and Cardoso Named Athletes of the Year
Xavier Legette from football was named Male Athlete of the Year for his All-American performance in 2023, while Kamilla Cardoso, the WNBA Draft No. 3 overall pick and 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champion, was honored as the Female Athlete of the Year.
2024 Gamecock Gala Award Winners
- H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship – Female: Ayana Akli (Tennis)
- H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship – Male: Kai Kroeger (Football)
- Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service – Female: Emilia Reutimann (Equestrian)
- Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service – Male: Daniel West (Swim & Dive)
- Dodie Academic MVP Award: Junior Saint Juste (Men’s Soccer)
- New Student-Athlete of the Year: Te-Hina Paopao (Women’s Basketball)
- co-Female Freshman of the Year: JaMeesia Ford (Track & Field), MiLaysia Fulwiley (Basketball)
- Male Freshman of the Year: Collin Murray-Boyles (Basketball)
- Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Skylar Allen (Beach Volleyball)
- co-Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (Basketball), Anass Essayi (Track & Field)
- Team Impact Award: Women’s Soccer
- Gamecock Leadership Award: Oby Anadi (Volleyball)
- Gamecock Inspiration Award: Hannah Mackenhausen (Beach Volleyball)
- Female Athlete of the Year: Kamilla Cardoso (Basketball)
- Male Athlete of the Year: Xavier Legette (Football)
- President’s Award: Ayana Akli (Women’s Tennis)
