Jasmine McNeal Lane’s female athlete of the year, Jasmine McNeal, has been a critical part of the Lady Dragons softball team. McNeal transferred from LA Harbor Community College in Los Angeles, California. In her first season with the Lady Dragons, she was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Week three times, selected for the SIAC All-Conference Team, and finished the season with a selection as the SIAC Player of the Year. During her junior season, she had 11 homeruns and 14 doubles with an on-base percentage of .885. McNeal studies physical education and plans to complete her undergraduate studies during summer semester.
Darius Mitchell Lane’s male athlete of the year, Darius Mitchell, played football for the Dragons. Mitchell was selected for the second consecutive year as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) All-Conference First Team. The kick return specialist was chosen as Special Teams Player of the Week for two weeks during the season. Mitchell collected 163 rushing yards, 424 receiving yards, and 492 yards on kick-returns for an average of 121.8 all-purpose yards. He was ranked sixth in the conference with all-purpose yards.
Lauren Johnson Jackson State’s female athlete of the year, Lauren Johnson, has been a star softball player for the Lady Generals. As a freshman, she hit .286 with 18 RBIs and 10 doubles and was recognized as All TCCAA Scholar Athlete. She was named one of the top returning defensive players in the TCCAA. As the only sophomore on the team, Johnson will be counted on to lead during the 2015 season. Johnson is known as a team leader with an excellent work ethic both in the classroom and on the field. With a 3.4 GPA, Johnson will graduate with an associate of science degree in May and will pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with plans to be a probation officer.
Broderick Davis Jackson State’s male athlete of the year, Broderick Davis, is honored for his outstanding performance on the basketball court. Davis was the team leader in points per game (16.2), free throw percentage (77.1), and field goal percentage (53%). During his career, Davis scored over 700 points and made 200 rebounds and 117 assists. He was projected as one of the top returning players for the 2014-2015 season and an All-TCCAA performer. Davis was the seventh leading scorer in Tennessee Community College Athletic Association. Upon receiving his associate of science degree, Davis will pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and hopes to teach and coach at the high school level.
Amy Philamlee Union’s female athlete of the year, Amy Philamlee, has been a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team. During her career, she scored over 1,900 points and dished out over 500 assists. As a senior, she led all of NCAA Division II with 24.1 points per game and ranked second in Division II with 8.2 assists per game. She led the Gulf South Conference in scoring (24.1), assists (8.2), field goal % (.537), 3-point % (.417) and free throw % (.870). After leading Union to the Gulf South Conference Regular Season Title in 2015, she was named the GSC Player of the Year. During the season, she was named NCAA Division II National Player of the Week once, GSC Player of the Week five times, and Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Week five times. Philamlee was also a member of the 2014 National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship team. She was named the national tournament’s most outstanding player, NCCAA All-American twice, NCAA All-Region twice, and NCAA Region Player of the Year once. As a freshman, she was named TranSouth Freshman of the Year and was named first team All-Conference. One interesting fact for Amy Philamlee’s career is that she will have played in three different national tournaments in her college career (NCAA DII, NAIA and NCCAA). Philamlee serves on Union’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council. She has also been on two mission trips with the women’s basketball team. Philamlee holds a 3.5 GPA, majoring in exercise science. After graduating from Union, Philamlee plans to attend occupational therapy school.
Alex Pratt Union’s male athlete of the year, Alex Pratt, has been a four-year starter for the men’s soccer team. In his four years at Union, Pratt played in 69 games, scoring 23 goals, recording 11 assists and taking 113 shots. He also tallied seven game-winning goals. During his senior year, Union’s first year as full NCAA DII members, Pratt was named to the second team All-Gulf South Conference. He was also named to the Gulf South Conference All-Academic Team and the GSC Honor Roll for the second straight year. He earned the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Player of the Week award once. As a junior, he was named to the MidEast All-Region Team and was named NCCAA Student-Athlete of the week once. Pratt also serves as a coach for the Jackson Futbol Club and has been a part of numerous service projects with Union’s soccer team. Pratt holds a 3.4 GPA and plans to obtain a PhD in marketing after graduating from Union with a business administration degree.