VGCC holds Athletics Banquet
Vance-Granville Community College celebrated Vanguard student-athletes at its annual Athletics Banquet, held on April 17 in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus. VGCC Director of Student Activities and Athletics Jasmine Hightower served as mistress of ceremonies.
Following dinner, women’s volleyball coach Heather Chance and assistant coach Pam DeZurik started the program by presenting awards to their players. Brittny Shells of Oxford was honored for maintaining the highest GPA on the team. Veronica Papandrea of Durham was named the team’s overall Most Valuable Player. Kiara Stump of Franklinton was recognized as the Offensive MVP, and Cynthia Kelly of Oxford as the Defensive MVP. Riley Frazier of Durham received the award for Most Improved Member of the team. Kimberly M. Nelson of Henderson was given the Coaches’ Award. Chelsey Dean of Oxford was recognized for having the most blocks per game. Alyssa Fry of Wake Forest, Rebecca May of Wake Forest and Velvanique Seward of Warrenton received Outstanding Team Spirit awards.
Men’s basketball head coach Mike Rotolo and assistant coaches Chad Wilson and Matthew Johnson honored their players with several creatively-named awards. Joshua Coles of Danville, Va. was named “Mr. Vanguard” for being the team leader, both on and off the court. Larry Mote of Henderson received the “Best Teammate” award. Justin Martin of Oxford was recognized as “The Windex Man” for his success as one of the top rebounders nationally. Shawn Brown of Henderson received the title “Mr. Plus” as the team’s “stat sheet stuffer.” Micah Stokes of Henderson was given the “Charlie Hustle Award.” Aaron Johnson of Durham was honored with the “Jack Russell Award” for being “energetic, happy, intelligent, and assertive.” Jaquan Davis of Raleigh was recognized with the “Globetrotter Award” as an entertaining member of the team. Maxton Richardson of Hollister received the “Springtime Award” because he had “blossomed” as a player. Jordan Bunting of Rocky Mount was honored for demonstrating the “Most Team Spirit.” Joshua Bethel of Durham, Larry Champion of Henderson, Khadier Fulcher of Oxford, Christopher Gray of Graham and Ezekiel Legrande of Wadesboro were all recognized as valued contributors to the team.
Golf coach Bobby Paff presented the Male Golfer of The Year award to Jacob Rinker of Creedmoor, and the Female Golfer of The Year award to Becky Anderson of Henderson.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, congratulated the student-athletes and thanked their family members for their support. “I’ve been impressed not only by the hard work of our players and coaches, but also by how many student-athletes are on the Dean’s List, and by how many of you have been accepted to four-year schools,” the president said. “The lessons you learn as student-athletes about teamwork and perseverance will serve you well through your entire lives. When you are no longer wearing a Vanguard jersey, you will still be a Vanguard in life.”
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