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Meridian Community College

MCC Student-Athletes Shine at 2026 University Transfer Awards Night

Three MCC tennis players posing for the camera with their plagues at Awards Night.
Three MCC tennis players posing for the camera with their plagues at Awards Night.
April 28, 2026

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Meridian Community College student-athletes were well represented Monday night at the 2026 Awards Night – University Transfer, earning multiple honors across academic and athletic categories.

The annual event recognizes outstanding students across campus, with awards presented by various academic divisions and departments. Seven MCC student-athletes were honored during the ceremony, with several earning multiple distinctions.

Leading the way was women's tennis standout Reine Akombo, who collected three awards on the evening:

  • Outstanding Physical Science Student (Science and Wellness Division)
  • Female Scholar Athlete of the Year (Athletics)
  • Transfer Pathway Scholar – Second Team (All Mississippi Community Colleges Academic Team)

Joining her with multiple honors was men's track & field student-athlete Clayton Phillips, who received:

  • Lucile Reisman Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship
  • Outstanding Biological Science Student (Science and Wellness Division)

From the Social Science and Business Division, men's soccer's Brandon Brown was recognized with:

  • Outstanding Business Student

During the Athletics Awards portion of the program, several Eagles were honored by Athletic Director Sander Atkinson.

Men's tennis standout Daniel Espin earned:

  • Male Scholar Athlete of the Year

Men's golf standout Dax Reaux was recognized with:

  • Male Athlete of the Year

Softball's Presley Black received:

  • Female Athlete of the Year

The evening concluded with one of MCC's highest honors, as women's tennis student-athlete Elizabeth Shirley was presented with:

  • Ivy-Scaggs Distinguished Student Award

Atkinson praised the group for their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

"It's a testament to the work these student-athletes put in every day, not just in competition but in the classroom," Atkinson said. "We're proud of how they represent MCC on and off the field."

MCC will continue its recognition of student achievement Tuesday with the 2026 Awards Night – Career and Technical.

The full awards ceremony can be viewed on the MCC YouTube channel at youtube.com/@meridiancc, and a photo gallery can be viewed at https://mcceagles.com/general/2025-26/photos/0003/index..

Follow MCC Athletics on X (@mcceaglessports), Instagram (@mcceaglesathletics_), and Facebook (Meridian Community College Athletics) for updates, photos, videos, and more.