MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced the 2025-26 year-end award winners.
Grant Fairchild Athletic Trainer of the Year: Rob DeLong, Mobile
DeLong has more than 26 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer and has worked at Mobile since 2022, where he oversees the care for student-athletes from the departments’ 21 varsity programs.
His department has chipped in to help provide ATC coverage at previous SSAC Track & Field, Competitive Cheer and Tennis Championships.
Sally Shouppe, University of Mobile Athletic Director: “Rob is just the best. He stepped into a one-man show and handled with ease and proficiency. Thankfully we have expanded our AT department and now Rob oversees that along with excellent care to our athletes. He is focused on taking the best care of our athletes and comes to practices, games and camps. He has been innovative in equipment needed for our program and is a sounding board, mentor and leader for our athletes. Rob shows compassion or toughness whichever is needed for the athlete. Rob is always there for the athlete.”
Amber Campbell, University of Mobile Assistant Volleyball Coach: “Rob keeps a down-to-earth approach to every coach and student-athlete he comes in contact with. He’s knowledgeable and compassionate, and he holds the line with wisdom between pushing a student-athlete and resting them. Rob has great rapport with the athletes, and UM is grateful to have him.”
Neptune GameTime Sports Information Director of the Year: Trinity Plunkett, Thomas
Trinity was hired in 2024 and is the primary contact for all 16 varsity sports, including football. In that time, she has overseen a website redesign and the launch of the school’s partnership with the Urban Edge Network.
Over the years, she has worked numerous SSAC Championships, including soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball. She has also shown a willingness to mentor incoming sports information directors in the league and help them find their footing.
Jessica Sanders, Softball Coach & Athletic Director: “Being voted SID of the Year by her peers is a meaningful recognition of the work and commitment it takes to manage sports information responsibilities at a small school with a large athletic department. Handling multiple sports, including football, requires a tremendous amount of time and organization, and we appreciate the effort she has put into serving our student-athletes and programs.”
Athletic Director of the Year: Tracy English, William Carey
Tracy has been with William Carey for over 35 years and is wrapping up his third year as athletic director. He leads the department’s 21 varsity programs. The Crusaders finished top five in the NAIA Learfield Cup each of the past two seasons.
Barry Farrell, WCU Men’s Soccer Coach: “Tracy has been one of the pillars of our athletic department for many years, and that has only become more evident since he stepped into the role of athletic director. He has taken on even greater responsibility while continuing to provide steady leadership and support across the department. One of his greatest strengths is that he trusts people to do their jobs. He allows experienced coaches and staff to operate without unnecessary interference while still making sure they have the backing and support of the department. From our perspective, Tracy has been incredibly supportive of the men’s soccer program. He has supported our fundraising efforts and helped us continue to enhance both the program and the overall experience of our student-athletes. We are grateful for the way he continues to invest in our coaches, our players, and the success of William Carey Athletics.”
Jessica Garriga, WCU Women’s Basketball Coach: “Before Tracy became our AD, I had the opportunity to work with him as his assistant basketball coach, and one thing that always stood out was how much William Carey meant to him. His pride, passion, and commitment to this university have always been evident in everything he does. Watching him be named AD of the Year is special because nobody represents William Carey better. This honor reflects the dedication and love he has poured into Carey for years. Congratulations, Tracy!”
Dr. Ronald Melton Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year: Dr. Kathy Dunning, Mobile
Sally Shouppe, Athletic Director: “She has been outstanding to work with and plays such an important role in our department. She works hard to keep us on track with eligibility and compliance, while also being a strong supporter of our student-athletes. Whether she is helping behind the scenes or cheering them on at games, she has been a tremendous asset to our student-athletes, our department and our institution.”
This is her third time to win the honor and she’s served at the school since 1994, including serving as Faculty Athletics Rep since 2010.
Woman of the Year: Keri Nester, Brewton-Parker Christian
Keri leads the Barons’ competitive cheer squad and helped the team earn the highest score in program history at this year’s SSAC Championship. She also serves as the Senior Woman Leader and Business Office Liaison. In her role as Senior Woman Leder, she plays a key role in the department’s finances, sitting down with each head coach to conduct budget meetings.
Chris Dooley, Athletic Director: “Keri Nester exemplifies what it means to be a professional woman who leads with purpose, gives back selflessly, and inspires the next generation. Her ability to balance leadership, service, and family while making a meaningful impact in each area sets her apart. I can think of no one more deserving of the SSAC Woman of the Year recognition.”
Daniel Smith, Student-Athlete: “Keri is a leader who demonstrates strength by challenging her athletes to pursue excellence daily, while never losing sight of the importance of compassion and individual support. Her ability to lead with both conviction and care has made a lasting impact on her student-athletes, both present and past. For these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly recommend Keri Nester for the Women’s Leader of the Year award. She is a remarkable leader, mentor, and role model who exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and heart.”
Coach of Character: Phillip Laney, Blue Mountain Christian
Curt Fowler, BMCU Athletic Director: “Coach Laney is someone every collegiate athletic department dreams of having lead student-athletes. He provides them not only with coaching, but with life lessons and prayer, ensuring these young people understand that a Christ-centered life will ensure stability and love. His passion for winning and excellence is only surpassed by his passion of being a servant to others.”
Jonah Barnhardt, BMCU Student-Athlete: “Coach Laney is an excellent coach, but what makes him exceptional is his character as a Christian and his wisdom. More importantly, he cares deeply about his athletes and helps them develop not only their skills as athletes but also as people.”
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Jacob Joseph, Point Men’s Golf
The senior financial management major posted a 3.65 GPA.
On the course, he earned First-Team All-Conference and Second-Team NAIA All-America honors and won the 2026 SSAC Men’s Golf Individual Championship. He shot seven-under in the final round at the championship to force a tie, where he ended up winning on a sudden-death playoff hole. The seven-under is tied for the second-best round all-time at an SSAC Championship.
Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Emeline Delaville, Life Women’s Track & Field
The senior business administration major has a 3.96 GPA.
On the track, she won the 2026 Indoor National Championship in the 800-meter race with a time of 2:08.38. She qualified for Nationals in the 800m, 1500m, 4x400m and 4x800m. During outdoor, she has the fifth-best 400-meter time, best 800-meter time, fourth-best 1,500-meter time and third-best 4x400-meter time. During indoor, she had the best 600, 800, 1,000 and 4x400m relay times
Academic HealthPlans Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year: Morgan Willingham, Brewton-Parker Christian
Morgan became BPC’s starting third baseman, but her first season was interrupted when she was struck in the head by a pitch while attempting to bunt and later diagnosed with her fifth concussion. After missing 22 games and facing uncertainty about whether she could continue playing, Morgan completed concussion rehab, was cleared to return and finished the season with a .391 batting average, .927 OPS, .478 slugging percentage, .449 on-base percentage and .961 fielding percentage. She also earned SSAC All-Tournament Team and Barnes & Noble College All-Academic Team honors.
Morgan faced another setback before her junior season when she was hit in the knee by a line drive, causing lingering pain, numbness and limited feeling in her leg. After multiple evaluations, doctors determined a sensory nerve had been affected, but she was cleared to continue playing. Morgan pushed through and continued to compete for her team, showing resilience, passion and determination that make her highly deserving of Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Mayor Todd Strange Male Champions of Character Team Award: UT Southern Cross Country
UT Southern Men’s Cross Country earned recognition through its commitment to sportsmanship, academic responsibility, personal growth and community service. Despite entering the season as a conference favorite and receiving votes in every national poll, the Firehawks dealt with significant injuries that kept top athletes from competing. The team continued to represent UT Southern well, earning the conference sportsmanship team award, while also receiving USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors and having more than 70% of eligible student-athletes earn individual conference all-academic recognition.
The program also made a strong impact through community outreach and service. UT Southern helped share the sport of cross country at two elementary meets, a high school/middle school meet, a collegiate meet and a community road race, bringing together more than 30 high and middle schools, 125 community members and 20 colleges. The team also served through Giles County Special Olympics, the Manion WOD and Rural Foods Delivery in Giles County, using its platform to support the local community while demonstrating servant leadership.
Mayor Todd Strange Female Champions of Character Team Award: Blue Mountain Christian Softball
BMCU Softball earned recognition through its commitment to integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The program has had zero ejections over the past three seasons, emphasizes respect for umpires and opponents, and works to represent BMCU and the SSAC in a positive manner through communication, organization and accountability.
The team also showed servant leadership through its care for visiting teams. BMCU adjusted game times against Mobile to help its opponent avoid an overnight stay, even choosing to finish a game in worsening field conditions when stopping would have been to its own advantage. The program also assisted St. Mary’s of the Woods after one of its players learned of a family death before the game, providing transportation to dinner and back to the hotel after the team was left without a bus. BMCU also checked on an injured opposing player and helped retrieve a leg splint following a hospital visit, showing hospitality and care beyond competition.
Men’s Sportsmanship Award: Loyola University New Orleans
Women’s Sportsmanship Award: Brewton-Parker Christian University