Senior basketball center Jermaine Hill stole the spotlight at the inaugural FAMU Sports Awards held Thursday night at Lee Hall Auditorium.
As the only double award winner, Hill won most valuableplayer for men’s basketball and male athlete of the year.
“I am very appreciative of these awards and the fact that people recognized my accomplishments, even though my teammates contributed to my success as much as I did,” Hill said.
A performance by Essence Dance Theater opened the celebration and Divas Dance Troupe also performed.
Athletes and coaches were honored for stellar achievements in all men’s, women’s, and intramural sports.
Coaches from each sport selected both a most improved and most valuable player from this season.
The most valuable player awards were named after former FAMU greats in each sport and the awards celebration was dedicated to Jubie B Bragg.
Bragg began the schools football program in 1899 and was head football coach and athletic director from 1906-1931.
“Athletes are the premiere recruiting force for the university and it is time that more students see how important they are to the growth and development of FAMU,” said Jessica Jones, the event organizer.
Men’s basketball coach Mike Gillespie was selected as coach of the year. Gillespie lead the Rattlers to their first winning season in 10 years and during his acceptance speech, he assured the audience he’s not going anywhere and that it feels good to be a part of FAMU.
“I really value the friendships that I have made with the other coaches,” Gillespie said.”This year I had better players and better players make you a better coach.”