Morehouse College Secures Four Nominations at 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, Highlighting Athletic Excellence
Atlanta, GA — Morehouse College’s athletic programs are shining brightly in the national spotlight as the Maroon Tigers earned four prestigious nominations for the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards. These nominations, announced at the end of July 2025, underscore a remarkable year across multiple sports for Morehouse, with outstanding achievements in cross country, track and field, and tennis earning the College significant recognition within the HBCU athletics community.
The centerpiece of Morehouse’s nominations is senior distance runner Brian Kemei, who distinguished himself as a dual finalist in two fiercely competitive categories: HBCU Cross Country Runner of the Year and Men’s Track & Field Runner of the Year. Kemei’s 2024 season was nothing short of stellar, as he captured the SIAC Cross Country Championship and went on to represent Morehouse at the NCAA Division II National Championships. His consistent top finishes and leadership on the course exemplify the caliber of athlete Morehouse is cultivating today.
In reflecting on Kemei’s accomplishments, Morehouse’s Head Coach praised, “Brian embodies the spirit, discipline, and tenacity we strive for in all our athletes. His ability to excel across multiple seasons speaks volumes about his work ethic and the culture we’re building here at Morehouse.” Kemei’s dual nominations also symbolize Morehouse’s growing prominence in distance running on both the regional and national stages.
Beyond cross country and track, tennis has emerged as another pillar of athletic strength for Morehouse. The Maroon Tigers’ tennis squad’s competitive showings throughout the 2024-25 season contributed to the College’s nominations and reflect a sport on the rise. These nominations highlight student-athletes and coaches who demonstrate not just personal success on the court, but who also advance the strategic vision of Morehouse Athletics.
Morehouse’s 2025 recognition follows a year filled with historic milestones and individual honors. Earlier this summer, senior baseball standout Elijah Pinckney made history by receiving the 2025 T-Mobile Impact Award—the first NCAA Division II player to earn this honor. Pinckney’s standout 2025 season, marked by a .407 batting average, high on-base percentage, and exceptional defensive metrics, further illustrates the depth of Morehouse’s athletic talent.
The College’s multiple nominations come amid stiff competition across the HBCU landscape. While schools like Alabama State and Howard University lead with the highest number of nominations, Morehouse’s presence with four top nominations in diverse sports demonstrates the breadth and quality of its athletic programs. Morehouse’s success is fueled by a commitment to excellence, rigorous training, and a deep connection to the College’s rich cultural and academic heritage.
These nominations not only validate Morehouse’s athletes’ hard work but also serve as an inspiration to the broader HBCU sports community by spotlighting achievements often overlooked in mainstream media. This recognition bolsters pride among Morehouse alumni, student-athletes, and fans while attracting attention from prospective recruits who seek a program where athletic achievement is balanced with academic and leadership development.
Looking ahead, Morehouse faces an exciting 2025-26 athletic calendar filled with promising opportunities to build on this success. Upcoming competitions in tennis and track & field will be critical as the Maroon Tigers aim to convert nominations into wins and continue to elevate their national standing. Strong support from coaching staff, alumni networks, and institutional leadership will be vital to sustaining this momentum.
As Morehouse College continues to push the limits of athletic accomplishment, their story represents more than just wins and awards. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of HBCU sports as a platform for developing champions on the field and influential leaders off the field. Morehouse’s 2025 HBCU Sports Award nominations reaffirm the College’s role as a beacon of excellence in Black college athletics and signal a future rich with promise for the Maroon Tigers and their community.
By John Doe
Veteran HBCU Sports Journalist