GREENVILLE, S.C. — May 21, 2026 — King University has once again set the standard for sportsmanship in Conference Carolinas, earning the 2025–26 Overall Messick Sportsmanship Award. This marks the Tornado's third overall Messick title, adding to previous wins in 2019–20 and 2014–15, further solidifying the program's reputation for integrity, respect, and character across all sports.
King's athletic department earned the conference's top honor behind standout sportsmanship throughout the year, including individual Messick Awards in both men's and women's swimming & diving.
"I'm so incredibly proud of our staff's commitment to teaching and demonstrating high character through our athletic platforms. Being awarded the Messick Sportsmanship Award by the conference office—an award voted on by our peers in all sports—is the culmination of a tremendous year where our coaches have remained focused on being Christ-animated and character-driven. Congratulations to our department, especially to our incredible student-athletes who live out our mission through their sportsmanship and character."
— Jose Larios, Vice President of Athletics
Shorter and Belmont Abbey Earn Gender-Specific Honors
Shorter University claimed the Men's Messick Sportsmanship Award, the first final Messick honor in the institution's history. The Hawks' recognition was supported by individual sportsmanship awards in baseball and men's lacrosse.
On the women's side, Belmont Abbey College continued its tradition of excellence, securing the Women's Messick Sportsmanship Award. This marks the third consecutive year and ninth overall that the Crusaders have earned at least one final Messick honor. Belmont Abbey collected nine individual Messick Awards during the 2025–26 season.
How the Messick Awards Are Determined
The Messick Sportsmanship Awards are based on peer evaluation. A student-athlete and coach from each Conference Carolinas institution vote separately on the sportsmanship of all conference opponents. These votes are submitted to the conference office, where averages determine the winners for each sport and the overall awards.
The awards are named after John D. Messick, former president of East Carolina University (1947–59), who championed sportsmanship and authored Personality and Character Development, a work emphasizing the importance of integrity in athletics and life.
Final Standings
Overall Messick Award — Top Five
- King University
- Belmont Abbey
- Young Harris
- North Greenville
- Ferrum
Women's Messick Award — Top Five
- Belmont Abbey
- King
- North Greenville
- Young Harris
- Emmanuel
Men's Messick Award — Top Five
- Shorter
- Young Harris
- Ferrum
- King
- Erskine
