Tech Athletics-record 90 student-athletes earn degrees in Spring 2026 graduation
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech celebrates the largest graduating classes in the University’s history with more than 1,600 students receiving degrees on Friday, the Department of Athletics also had an incredible class with 89 student-athletes crossing the stage at the Hooper Eblen Center. Many of these student-athletes fulfilled the pledge of a championship ring on one hand and a diploma in the other.
PHOTO GALLERY | Spring 2026 Graduates
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech celebrates the largest graduating classes in the University's history with more than 1,600 students receiving degrees on Friday, the Department of Athletics also had an incredible class with 90 student-athletes crossing the stage at the Hooper Eblen Center.
That final tally is the most in Tech Athletics history, eclipsing the total of 79 in the Spring 2024 ceremonies.
Many of these student-athletes fulfilled the pledge of a championship ring on one hand and a diploma in the other.
"This is a momentous milestone for these incredible student-athletes," said Tech Director of Athletics Casey Fox. "The work, the time, the sweat that these young men and women have dedicated to earning their degrees and bringing championships back to campus have more than paid off. We thank them for being a part of the Tennessee Tech family and thank their families for sharing them with ours, and see them grow into incredible young men and women.
"The tireless efforts and support from the University's professors, instructors, faculty and staff are tremendous, as is the work from our own Athletics Academic Support team to help our student-athletes succeed not only in their sport, but also in the classroom."
Friday's graduates included:
BASEBALL (13): Cooper Casteel, Houston High, Will Long, Eddie Garza, Manny Garza, Garrett Holpuch, Jorsixt Jimenz, Drew Mattox, Reece McDuffie, Jamie Robertson, Jackson Rooker, Jaxson Pease, Lawson Stricklin;
FOOTBALL (27): Torin Baker, Richard Bryant, Gavon Bryson, AJ Crawford, Kalvyn Crummie, Theron Gaines, Tre Holloway, Monty Hunt, Isaac Knowles, Maurice LaPierre, Taylor Love, Ethan McLaurin, Jeremy Mendez, Omari Philyaw, Sean Pozniak, Quintell Quinn, Luke Shields, Nason Simmons, Tyler Swann, Christian Thomas, Keonte Tillman, Seth Vaughn, Wyatt Watson, Jameson Wharton, Drew Wilder, Stefon Young-Rolle, Weston White;
MANAGERS AND SUPPORT (5): Luis Bauer, Silas Cross, Jaxon Fox, Shaela Garrett, Ally Silcox;
MEN'S BASKETBALL (3): Brandon Muntu, Matthew Sells, Owen Varnado;
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY (1): Carter Bradford;
MEN'S GOLF (3): Alexander Bassel, Nick Etherton, Haden Maxwell;
MEN'S TENNIS (1): Elyad Oshnavie;
SOFTBALL (9): Ella Bishop, Sofia Carroll, Olivia Evans, Makayli Harris, Sydney Kirby, Britney Phally, Brooklin Richardson, Bailee Stack, Brooklyn Stewart;
SPIRIT SQUADS (6): Faith Bettencourt, Isabella Gresham, Autumn Sells, Jasmine Williams, Grace Karstens, Timothy Floyd;
VOLLEYBALL (3): Jordan Karlen, MK Roberts, Ayanna Rodgers;
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (4): Reghan Grimes, Cam Mathews, Taris Thornton, Lilly Bridges;
WOMEN'S GOLF (3): Lydia Baker, Sydney Branson, Kaydi Rhodes;
WOMEN'S SOCCER (8): Lucia Cuadra, Abigail Davis, Melina Hamm, Ally Lee, Cheyenne McCloud, Claire Palya, Tori Soutuyo, Katie Toney;
WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD (4): Paris Bowles, Lauryn Jackson, Kendall Medders and Sidnee Stanton.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
