INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- The 2024 Stinger Awards is the fifth annual awards ceremony for WVSU Athletics that recognizes the achievements of student-athletes, coaches and teams throughout the past season. The Yellow Jackets that receive awards represent the best of the best in their respective sports and across the Athletics Department as a whole.

The nominations for each award were made by head coaches of the 17 varsity sports that competed during the 2023-24 season. The winners were then selected by the Sports Information Department and based on its comprehensive knowledge of all sports.

Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2024 Stinger Awards:

Male Athlete of the Year (Best overall male athlete)


Female Athlete of the Year (Best overall female athlete)


Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year (Excelled both academically and athletically)


Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year (Excelled both academically and athletically)


Male Freshman of the Year (Best freshman male athlete)


Female Freshman of the Year (Best freshman female athlete)


Male Iron Yellow Jacket Award (Put forth the most effort in the weight room and showcased strength)


Female Iron Yellow Jacket Award (Put forth the most effort in the weight room and showcased strength)


Male Comeback Player of the Year (Returned from injury or played through injury and performed at a high level)


Female Comeback Player of the Year (Returned from injury or played through injury and performed at a high level)


Breakthrough Athlete of the Year (Player with the most dramatic improvement from previous season)


Coach of the Year


Game of the Year

Recap: WVSU earns #2 seed in MEC tournament with rout of Charleston on Senior Day
Video: WVSU vs. Charleston

Upset of the Year

Recap: State upsets No. 10 UC in regular season finale; Pittman goes off in his last home game
Video: WVSU vs. Charleston 

Comeback of the Year

Recap: WVSU erases two set deficit to stun West Liberty; will play Wheeling in MEC Finals
Video: Semifinal #1: West Virginia State vs. West Liberty

Best Individual Performance of the Year (Best single game effort by an individual)

Recap: STATE ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY
Video: West Virginia State vs. Fairmont State

Play of the Year


Sportsmanship Award (Athlete or coach who treats others with the utmost respect)


Teammate of the Year (Athlete who always put the team before themselves)


Black & Gold Award (Transcends their own sport by being active on campus and promoting athletics as a whole)


Award for Service (Individual or collective team that contributed most to the community throughout the year)


The 'Cal Bailey' Career Achievement Award 
*Must be a graduating student-athlete that played at least four years at WVSU or a retiring coach/staff member that spent the majority of his/her career at WVSU

Donovan came to West Virginia State as a true freshman in 2019. He did not redshirt, but rather accepted his role as a backup quarterback. He was not deterred by the strain of COVID on his sophomore season and led his team through a difficult time as he stepped into a starting role. His patience paid off as he went on to throw for over 2,000 yards in each of the next three seasons, earning numerous accolades along the way. There was not one knock against his character in his five years at State and his dedication to his team was never questioned.