Stallions Shine Bright

Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

STAFFORD, Texas — This is what it looks like when preparation, discipline, and opportunity all meet at the same time.

On National Student-Athlete Day, North American University pauses to recognize a group that has not only represented the institution—but elevated it. From August until now, Stallion student-athletes have produced results across every season, building a year that carries both achievement and momentum.

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MEN'S SOCCER AND WOMEN'S SOCCER — CONSISTENCY UNDER PRESSURE

The year began with both soccer programs establishing a competitive identity early.

Facing nationally recognized opponents and navigating a demanding schedule, both squads remained organized and disciplined throughout the season. Competing with limited depth at key moments, they continued to execute and represent the program with structure and intent.

Conference recognition and weekly honors reflected that consistency, as both teams remained active in the conversation across the Red River Athletic Conference.
  
 

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MEN'S BASKETBALL — A CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARD

History has been made.

North American University Men's Basketball captured the USCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, earning the first national title in program history. The Stallions completed a dominant postseason run and finished the season as the top team in the nation.

At the center of that success was J. Pony Hammond.
   

A First Team All-American, Hammond delivered a season defined by production and leadership. His accomplishments included:

• USCAA Athlete of the Week
• Red River Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week
• 1,000 career points milestone

His impact extended beyond individual recognition, setting the tone for a team that executed at the highest level when it mattered most.

Additional contributions across the roster, including Naheim Northern, who earned RRAC Player of the Week honors and 2nd USCAA All Tournament Team reinforced a championship culture built on consistency and accountability.  

This was not simply a title run—it was a program establishing its standard.

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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL — NATIONAL STAGE, CONTINUED ASCENT

This season, the Lady Stallions have competed with energy and production in every contest, showing they can compete at a high level in Red River Athletic Conference play and against top opponents. Every player contributed, carrying the Stallions with effort, energy, and execution.

Key contributors for the 2025–2026 campaign include:

• Jerkayla Dickey — leading scorer and consistent offensive threat, showing scoring punch in recent matchups; Honorable Mention All-RRAC for high-impact scoring and efficiency.
• Savannah Velazquez — stepped up with double-digit scoring performances; First Team All-RRAC, led the team with 284 points, contributing across rebounds, assists, and steals, anchoring the Lady Stallions night in and night out.
• Aliyah Solis — contributor from beyond the arc and in key minutes; Second Team All-RRAC & All-Champions of Character Team, consistent scoring threat with a 45.2% three-point clip and team-leading assists, demonstrating leadership on and off the court.
• Keasia Robinson — strong rebounding and scoring presence.
• Akyra Hodges and Maurdaisha Powell — consistent contributors in scoring and minutes.

These honors and performances reflect a season of consistent production, leadership, and impact, with these student-athletes recognized by the conference for their dedication both on and off the court.
    

The Lady Stallions added to the year's momentum with a strong showing on the national stage.

Advancing to the Final Four of the USCAA Women's Basketball National Championship, the program demonstrated growth, composure, and the ability to compete deep into postseason play.

Throughout the season, the team continued to build within conference competition while earning national recognition, including weekly honors and All-American selections.

The trajectory is clear—this program is not building for the future alone; it is producing in the present.

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TRACK AND FIELD — MOMENTUM AT THE RIGHT TIME

As the spring season progresses, Track and Field has positioned itself as one of the most active and productive programs on campus.

Competing at both the TSU Relays and PVAMU Relays, the Stallions recorded multiple personal bests and school records across a range of events.

TSU Relays (March 21)

• Tyler Johns — 5000m (School Record)
• Tyler Johns — 1500m (School Record)
• Men's 4x200m Relay — School Record
• Multiple top finishes across sprint, hurdle, and field events

PVAMU Relays (March 27)

• Nicholas Matchett — Shot Put (School Record)
• Jamarric Hammond — High Jump (School Record)
• Tyler Johns — 1500m (School Record)
• Keqwon Palm — 110m Hurdles (School Record)
• Multiple personal best performances across events

Additional recognition includes Elina Gonzalez, who earned Red River Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week honors following a record-setting performance earlier this season.

The momentum is building at the right time.
    

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TRACK AND FIELD — LOOKING AHEAD

The schedule now turns toward championship preparation:

• April 2–3 — Carl Knight Invitational (Stephen F. Austin) | Nacogdoches, Texas
• April 10 — Baylor Invitational | Waco, Texas
• April 24–25 — USCAA Track and Field National Championships | Indiana, Pennsylvania

It is official—North American University Track and Field is heading to the national stage, prepared to compete against top programs across the country.

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CROSS COUNTRY — SETTING THE DISTANCE STANDARD

Before the records on the track, it started on the course.

The Stallions Cross Country program laid the groundwork for what has become a strong year across endurance events. Competing throughout the fall, the team established consistency and development that carried directly into the track season.

Leading that charge was Samantha Medina, who delivered a record-breaking performance with a time of 25:49.29—setting a new school record and making a statement for the program.

That performance wasn't just a moment—it was a tone-setter.

A signal that the program is developing discipline, depth, and the ability to compete across distances.

And now you're seeing it translate.

The same distance group that put in the work during cross country is showing up in track season—contributing to personal bests, school records, and consistent finishes across meets.

The foundation was built early.

Now the results are showing everywhere else.

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MORE THAN COMPETITION

While the results are visible, the responsibility behind them is just as significant.

These student-athletes are balancing full academic schedules, travel, training, and competition—all while continuing to produce at a high level.

And the work in the classroom is matching the work in competition.

Leading the way academically are standout Stallions including:

• J. Pony Hammond — recognized not only for his All-American performance on the court, but for maintaining strong academic standing
• Naheim Northern — continuing to represent the program with consistency both academically and athletically
• Samantha Medina — record-setting performer who also reflects the discipline required in the classroom
• Tyler Johns — multiple school records while maintaining academic focus
• Elina Gonzalez — conference-recognized athlete demonstrating balance across both areas

Alongside them, multiple Stallions across soccer, basketball, and track & field have earned:

• Academic honors within the Red River Athletic Conference
• National academic recognition through the USCAA
• Team and individual academic awards that reflect consistency, discipline, and accountability

This is what National Student-Athlete Day represents.

Not just performance in competition—but commitment in the classroom.

Because at North American University, the expectation is not one or the other.

It's both.

NAU Stallions Academic Award Winners (2025–2026)

• Elina Gonzalez – Women's Track & Field / Cross Country
  USCAA All-Academic Honoree (2025–26) [stallions.na.edu]

• Bersil "Cobra" Cox – Men's Basketball
  NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete (2025–26) [mascotdb.com]

• D'Marchay "Big Play Chay" Scott – Women's Basketball
  NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete (2025–26) [mascotdb.com]

• Joseph Cormier – Men's Basketball
  USCAA National Academic Award Recipient (2025–26)
  

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Buffalo brought home a title.

Now Track and Field prepares for its opportunity.

From the pitch, to the court, to the track—North American University has delivered a year defined by results.

On National Student-Athlete Day, we recognize not only the achievements, but the standard being built.

Stallions Up.