Student-Athletes Honors at Annual JV/Varsity Sports Awards Ceremony
The O'Neal School Athletics Department celebrated another outstanding year of Falcon athletics during its 8th Annual JV/Varsity Sports Recognition Ceremony.
The evening began with Athletic Director Lance Stucky reflecting on the many accomplishments of O'Neal student-athletes during the 2025-2026 school year. Among the highlights, 28 student-athletes earned Sandhills Athletic Conference All-Conference honors, one student-athlete was named SAC Student-Athlete of the Year, and three Falcons earned NCISAA All-State recognition. O'Neal also celebrated two individual State Champions, eight teams that finished among the top three in the Sandhills Athletic Conference, and one conference championship team.
While recognizing these impressive achievements, Stucky reminded those in attendance that the success of O'Neal Athletics extends far beyond wins, championships, and awards.
Representing the Class of 2026 athletes, senior Matthias Davis delivered remarks that reflected on the relationships and support systems that make athletic success possible. After thanking coaches, families, and supporters, Davis turned his attention to his fellow student-athletes.
"Through the best of wins and the worst of losses, we know we could always count on our teammates to have our back. But more than that, you made the bus rides and tough practices memorable. You made the shirt worth playing for," Davis emphasized. He concluded by reminding everyone that athletic success is never achieved alone. "Success in sports is never achieved alone. Tonight is proof that every athlete stands on the shoulders of the coaches, teammates, and families that believed in them first."
Throughout the evening, coaches from each program presented team awards, recognizing athletes with Most Valuable Player, Most Improved Player, and Falcon Awards. These moments provided an opportunity to celebrate not only athletic achievement, but also perseverance, leadership, character, and commitment to team culture.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of O'Neal Athletics' highest honors by Head of Upper School Sandy Boyd. These awards are determined by a special committee and recognize the individuals and teams that exemplified excellence throughout the year.
Coach of the Year honors were awarded to Mason Kinn, whose leadership guided both the varsity cross-country and track and field programs to tremendous success throughout the year.
Athlete of the Year honors were presented to Kennedi Hamner and Sam Schmitz. Both three-sport athletes, Hamner and Schmitz demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, and dedication across multiple seasons while representing O'Neal at the highest level.
The Girls Team of the Year award was presented to the Varsity Swim Team. Despite being composed entirely of very young athletes (oldest being a sophomore), the Falcons captured a Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship and established themselves as one of the brightest young programs in the conference.
The Boys Team of the Year award went to the Varsity Track and Field Team following an outstanding season highlighted by success at both the conference and state levels, including numerous podium finishes at the NCISAA State Championships.
As the evening came to a close, one theme remained clear: O'Neal Athletics is about much more than trophies and championships. It is about community, relationships, perseverance, and the people who make the journey meaningful.
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