2026 Gamecock Gala Award Winners
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Athletics held its annual Gamecock Gala on Monday, April 27, at Colonial Life Arena. The event honored the University’s top student-athletes for their accomplishments during the 2025-26 academic year.
Senior diver Sophie Verzyl took home the top award of the night as the President’s Award winner. The highest honor bestowed by the Athletics Department, the award is given annually to one student-athlete in his/her final year of eligibility to recognize a career of extraordinary talent in athletics, scholarship, leadership and service. Verzyl capped her exceptional career with a National Championship and a National Runner-Up finish in her final competitions as a Gamecock and a sweep of the 1- and 3-meter diving events at SEC Championships. For the effort, she was named the national and SEC diver of the year. Beyond the pool, Verzyl completed her bachelor’s degree and is pursuing a master’s in sport and entertainment management with strong GPAs in both programs. She is a three-time CSCAA Scholar All-American, two-time CSC Academic All-District selection. Her work in the community included regular visits with a local elementary school.
Verzyl was also named Female Athlete of the Year, while Josiah Wrice of track and field was the Male Athlete of the Year. He was the leadoff leg for the Gamecocks’ first 4×400 meter National Championship relay team at NCAA Indoors in March. He was a First-Team All-America selection in the 400m individual race, setting a program record at the meet as well.
2026 GAMECOCK GALA AWARD WINNERS:
H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship – Female: Ruby Voortmeyer (Equestrian)
H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship – Male: Kyle Korvick (Swimming & Diving)
Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service – Female: Amy Riordan (Swimming & Diving)
Brad E. Davis Outstanding Community Service – Male: Quinn Buck (Swimming & Diving)
Dodie Academic MVP Award: Emerson Madonia (Equestrian)
New Student-Athlete of the Year: Alexis Potts (Equestrian)
Female Freshman of the Year: Agot Makeer (Basketball)
Male Freshman of the Year: Paul Barbie Gazeu (Tennis)
Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: VB Trost (Beach Volleyball)
Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Edouard Lecrivain (Track & Field)
Team Impact Award: Equestrian
Gamecock Leadership Award: Mahaley Gann (Equestrian)
Gamecock Inspiration Award: Ella Lucas (Track & Field)
Female Athlete of the Year: Sophie Verzyl (Swimming & Diving)
Male Athlete of the Year: Josiah Wrice (Track & Field)
President’s Award: Sophie Verzyl (Swimming & Diving)
