College honors student athletes

MGCCC softball player Candee Reeves of George County (left) received the Most Valuable Player award from assistant coach Lisa Havard (right) during the college’s annual Spring Athletic Banquet on April 19.

As the spring playoff picture comes into full bloom at Gulf Coast, the Athletic Department called a time-out on April 19 for the annual Spring Athletic Banquet to thank the 136 student athletes who participated this season.

Twenty-one of those students, representing six communities in South Mississippi, three states and two foreign countries were honored for their competitive contributions. Each recipient was chosen by fellow teammates or by coaches for a variety of awards that ranged from Most Valuable Player to Most Improved.

MGCCC basketball player JoAnna Williams of Gulfport (left) was presented four awards by assistant coach Melanie McMains (right) during the college’s annual Spring Athletic Banquet on April 19.

Athletic Director Chris Calcote says it’s been a successful spring season with six teams - men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, golf and baseball - earning spots in the playoffs so far and several individual players advancing to nationals.

“The banquet gives each coaching staff the chance to let each student and their families know how much we appreciate their efforts on the playing fields. Our programs are only successful because of the student athletes we put on the field,” Calcote said.

The winners from each team are listed below along with their hometowns.