National champions and academic standouts take center stage as South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate top student-athletes at Colonial Life Arena
COLUMBIA, S.C. | Excellence in competition, the classroom, and the community took the spotlight Monday night as South Carolina Gamecocks Athletics hosted its annual Gamecock Gala, honoring the program’s top student-athletes from the 2025–26 academic year at Colonial Life Arena.
Leading the night’s honors was senior diving standout Sophie Verzyl, who captured the prestigious President’s Award — the department’s highest individual honor recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and service.
Verzyl Caps Championship Career
Verzyl’s final season in Columbia was nothing short of historic. She secured a national championship and a national runner-up finish in her final collegiate competitions, while also sweeping the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the SEC Championships.
Her dominance earned her both national and SEC Diver of the Year honors, cementing her status among the program’s all-time greats. Off the boards, Verzyl excelled academically, completing her undergraduate degree while pursuing a master’s in sport and entertainment management. A three-time CSCAA Scholar All-American and two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, she also made a consistent impact in the community through outreach efforts with local schools.
Adding to her accolades, Verzyl was named Female Athlete of the Year, underscoring her all-around excellence.
Wrice Leads Track’s Championship Moment
On the men’s side, Josiah Wrice earned Male Athlete of the Year honors after playing a pivotal role in one of the program’s biggest achievements. Wrice served as the leadoff leg for South Carolina’s first-ever 4x400-meter relay national championship team at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
He also delivered individually, earning First-Team All-America recognition in the 400 meters while setting a program record at the national meet — a performance that solidified his place among the nation’s elite sprinters.
Across-the-Board Excellence Recognized
The Gamecock Gala highlighted the depth and diversity of South Carolina’s athletic success, with standout performers across multiple programs earning recognition.
Equestrian emerged as a dominant force, capturing multiple honors including the Team Impact Award and individual accolades such as the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholarship (Ruby Voortmeyer), Dodie Academic MVP (Emerson Madonia), and New Student-Athlete of the Year (Alexis Potts).
In swimming and diving, Kyle Korvick earned the men’s McWhorter Scholarship, while Amy Riordan and Quinn Buck were recognized for outstanding community service.
Rising stars also took center stage, with Agot Makeer (women’s basketball) and Paul Barbie Gazeu (men’s tennis) earning Freshman of the Year honors, signaling a strong future pipeline for the program.
Building a Championship Culture
From national titles to academic honors and community engagement, the 2026 Gamecock Gala reinforced South Carolina’s commitment to developing complete student-athletes.
As the Southeastern Conference continues to set the standard nationally, South Carolina’s honorees reflect a program not only competing at the highest level — but excelling in every arena.
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-- By Michele Robinson
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