Athletes Beyond Bartow: 57 local collegiate athletes contribute in nine sports

February 23, 2026

Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

With winter collegiate sports approaching postseason play and spring sports hitting full stride, this week’s update includes contributions from 57 local collegiate athletes across the country in nine sports.

BASKETBALL

TAFF BRADLEY — Huntingdon College (So., Cartersville HS) … made brief road appearances on February 17 and this past Friday. She totaled three points, one rebound, and one steal as the Hawks lost at Belhaven University (MS) and won at Agnes Scott College. Huntingdon College (12-13) will play a quarterfinal game in the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament on Tuesday against the conference’s No. 3 seed (to be determined).

NA’YEL CAMPER — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS) … saw action in the Eagles’ win this past Saturday at Bluefield State University (WV). Camper scored two points, grabbed four rebounds, and added one assist. Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) heads to the AAC Championship Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee on Wednesday through Saturday.

SE’NAI CAMPER — Montreat College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … scored 14 points with two steals, two rebounds, and one assist as the Cavaliers won at the University of Pikeville (KY) this past Saturday. She also grabbed three rebounds on February 18 in a loss at Bryan College (TN). Montreat (10-16, 8-12 Appalachian Athletic Conference) plays next at the AAC Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee that begins on Wednesday.

JA’KA’YAH DRAUGHN — Brewton Parker Christian University (So., Cartersville HS) … scored four points with three steals, two assists, and one rebound this past Saturday in a 76-62 home win over Point University. The Barons (7-20, 6-10 Southern States Athletic Conference) open play in the conference championship tournament on Wednesday against the University of Mobile in Montgomery.

ANSLEY GRIFFIN — North Carolina Wesleyan University (So., Cartersville HS) … totaled nine points with five rebounds, two steals, and two assists as  the Battlin’ Bishops beat Methodist University on February 17 but lost at Brevard College this past Saturday. NCWU (14-10, 12-6) plays Greensboro College on Tuesday in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in the first round of the USA South Conference Tournament.

ZION HAYES — Vincennes University (So., Cass HS) … scored 21 points with ten rebounds, six assists, five steals, and three blocked shots last Friday in a 101-37 home win over the University of Cincinnati-Clermont. The Trailblazers (18-7) host Olney Central College (IL) on Wednesday and visit Wabash Valley College (IL) on Saturday.

ZYON HEATH — LaGrange College (So., Woodland HS) … had two rebounds and one assist on February 17 in an 87-73 loss at Piedmont University. The Panthers (14-11, 5-7 Collegiate Conference of the South) hosts Asbury University (KY) on Tuesday night in the first round of the conference tournament that continues in Maryville, Tennessee, through Saturday.

HALEY JOHNSON — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … totaled ten points and four rebounds last week in wins February 18 at Brenau University and last Saturday at Bluefield State University (WV). Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2 Appalachian Athletic Conference) heads to the AAC Championship Tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee on Wednesday through Saturday.

KEARA McDANIEL — Toccoa Falls College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored five points with three rebounds, and two assists this past Saturday in a five-point loss at Bob Jones University (SC). The Screaming Eagles also lost on February 16 at home to Welch College (TN) but boxscore data was not available. Toccoa Falls will participate in the National Christian College Athletic Association South Region Tournament in mid-March.

T.J. PRINTUP — Tusculum University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … totaled 18 points, 13 rebounds, seven steals, six assists, and five blocks in losses last week at home to UVA-Wise and on the road at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The Pioneers (10-16, 6-14 South Atlantic Conference) travel to Emory & Henry College (VA) on Wednesday and welcome Anderson University (SC) on Saturday to conclude the regular season schedule.

MEGAN SCHULTZ — Abraham Baldwin Agriculural College (So., Woodland HS) … had one rebound and one assist in a loss February 16 at Blue Mountain Christian (MS), and scored two points with three boards, two assists, and one steal in a loss this past Saturday at Life University in Marietta. ABAC (6-20, 3-13 Southern States Athletic Conference) plays an opening round conference tournament game against Thomas University (GA) on Wednesday morning at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery.

LONDAISHA SMITH — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … in road games last week at Milligan University (TN), Brenau University (GA), and Bluefield State University (WV), Smith totaled 35 points, 19 rebounds, five steals, and five assists. The Eagles lost at Milligan, but won the other two games. Reinhardt (21-6, 18-2) will be the No. 3 seed at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament that begins on Wednesday in Kingsport, Tennessee. The Eagles will play Johnson University (TN) in a quarterfinal game on Thursday night with the tournament continuing through Saturday.

ALISSA WINTERS — Truett McConnell University (So., Adairsville HS) … scored two points in a loss at Tennessee Wesleyan University and two in a win at Union Commonwealth University (KY) last week. Winters also totaled five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in those games. The Bears finished the season with a 6-22 record, 5-15 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

WRESTLING

COLTON BISHOP — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 2-3 and placed sixth in the 125-pound bracket at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships as the Eagles finished fourth in the 10-team tournament in Miami Gardens, Florida.

LEE CAMP — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … won two of three bouts and placed second in the 133-pound weight division at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships and qualified for the NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, on March 5-7, as the Eagles finished fourth in Miami Gardens, Florida.

CADEN McCRARY — Reinhardt University (Sr., Woodland HS) … went 4-0 and won the 141-pound weight class at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships and qualified for the March 5-7 NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas, as the Eagles placed fourth in Miami Gardens, Florida.

HAYDEN SANTORA — Reinhardt University (So., Woodland HS) … went 2-3 and placed sixth in the 165-pound bracket as the Eagles finished fourth at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship in Miami Gardens, Florida. Santora awaits a potential at-large selection for the NAIA National Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

AILEE ENGLAND — Berry College (So., Cartersville HS) … the Vikings won three matches this past Friday and Saturday at the Huntingdon College Beach Bash in Montgomery, but individual match results were not available. Berry defeated Southern Virginia University, Truett McConnell University, and Loyola University New Orleans. England paired with Kaylee Howell and lost a Line 3 home match 21-17, 23-25, 15-13 during a 4-1 team loss to Carson-Newman University on February 18. In a second match against CNU, England paired with Keira Kruk at Line 2 and fell 22-20, 21-15 in a 4-1 team loss. Berry (3-2) will face Spring Hill College (AL), Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, and Wesleyan College on Friday and Saturday at the Badger Beach Bash in Mobile.

LAUREN LAWSON — University of South Carolina (Jr., Cartersville HS) … paired with Sadie Nelson and lost an exhibition match 17-21, 19-21, with their opponents from Florida Gulf Coast University, last Friday at the Jacksonville University Dolphin Duals. The Gamecocks also lost the team match, 3-2. South Carolina defeated 17th-ranked North Florida 3-2 and host Jacksonville 4-1, but fell to 14th-ranked Stetson University 4-1 to complete the tournament with a 2-2 mark. The Gamecocks will host the Wheeler Beach Bash on Friday and Saturday and will face Austin Peay, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Chattanooga, and Coastal Carolina.

TENNIS

EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … won a Line 2 doubles match 6-4 with Linn Goerdes as the Nighthawks defeated visiting Auburn University-Montgomery 6-1 on February 16. At the ITA D-II National Team Indoor Championships this past weekend in Indianapolis, Bush had losses with Goerdes at Line 2 doubles and lost Line 6 singles matches as UNG fell to 7th-ranked West Florida and 9th-ranked Catawba College. In a team 4-2 win on Sunday over the University of Indianapolis, their Line 2 doubles set was tied at 4-4 but went unfinished.

SYDNEY COPPOLA — Berry College (Jr., Cass HS) … partnered with Charlee Eidson in a 4-6 Line 3 double loss and dropped her Line 6 singles match 1-6, 0-6 as the Vikings lost 0-7 this past Saturday at Shorter University. Berry visits Covenant College on Tuesday.

GYMNASTICS

ABIGAIL BUNCH — Rhode Island College (Sr., Cass HS) … scored a 9.325 on vault and placed 17th with a 9.575 on bars last Friday as the Anchorwomen finished fourth of four teams in Brookville, New York. The meet was won by the University of New Hampshire, followed by Long Island University, the University of Bridgeport (CT), and RIC. Rhode Island College will travel to Utica for a tri-match with Springfield on Sunday, March 1.

SOFTBALL

JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr, Cartersville HS) … appeared in two games as a pinch runner at the University of Georgia Classic and saw action at catcher with one at-bat as the Hokies went 4-0 on Friday through Sunday with two wins over the Bulldogs, one over Seton Hall, and one over Utah State. Virginia Tech (11-2) will play in the Moore Memorial at Auburn University on Friday through Sunday. They will play USC Upstate and Auburn twice and one game with Troy University.

CLAY JORDAN — Shorter University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made a one-inning pitching start at home on Saturday and was charged with the loss as the Hawks fell 10-0 to Columbus State University. Clay allowed six earned runs on six hits and two walks. Shorter dropped two of three with the Cougars. The Hawks (4-13) host a doubleheader with Clark Atlanta University on Tuesday and visit Emmanuel University for two games on Saturday.

TAYLOR EVANS — Southern Wesleyan University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … made one unsuccessful pinch hitting appearance last Saturday in a 10-0 home win over Lincoln Memorial University (TN). The Warriors (7-4) play a doubleheader at Lenoir-Rhyne University on Saturday.

ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-5 with one home run, one walk, one stolen base, and two RBI last Friday in two home wins over the University of Pikeville (KY). The Eagles (2-0) host Montreat College (NC) on Tuesday and will play six games on Friday through Sunday in Columbus at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Reinhardt will face Georgia Gwinnett College, United States Sports University, Coastal Georgia, Faulkner University, Rio Grande University (OH), and Louisiana Christian University.

ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … went 1-for-7 with one RBI and scored one run in two losses last Saturday at 15th-ranked Emory University. The Lions (0-2) host Pfeiffer University and Mount St. Joseph University on Friday through Sunday.

ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … in two home wins last Friday over the University of Pikeville (KY), Lee was 1-for-6 with one walk and two stolen bases. The Eagles (2-0) host Montreat College (NC) on Tuesday and will play six games on Friday through Sunday in Columbus at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Reinhardt will face Georgia Gwinnett College, United States Sports University, Coastal Georgia, Faulkner University, Rio Grande University (OH), and Louisiana Christian University.

RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … in a three-game series sweep at Trevecca Nazarene University (TN) this past weekend, Lee went 1-for-7 with a solo home run, one walk, one sacrifice fly, and scored three runs. The Blazers (7-6, 3-0 Gulf South Conference) host the University of Alabama-Huntsville for three games on Saturday and Sunday.

AVA PERKINS — Lander University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … in a doubleheader split at Wingate University (NC) and a home doubleheader sweep of Newberry College (SC), Perkins was 3-for-10 at the plate with a double, two walks, two runs, and seven RBI. The Bearkats (8-4) host a doubleheader with Francis Marion University on Wednesday.

ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 0-for-8 at the plate as the Tigers dropped three games at the East Tennessee State Bucaneers Tournament this past weekend. Woods had one walk, one stolen base, and scored one run in two losses to ETSU and one loss to Bowling Green State University. TSU (0-6) will play Presbyterian, Mercer, and Columbia on Friday through Sunday at the Mercer University Invitational in Macon.

TRACK AND FIELD

BENJAMIN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Adairsville HS) … finished eighth (41-02.50) in the triple jump at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

JUNE DELAUDER — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … placed 15th (10.44) in the 60-meter hurdles at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

WILL PARKER — Columbia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … was a member of the Koalas 4000-meter distance medley relay team that placed sixth (11:05.66) at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

JAYLEN SCOTT — Reinhardt University (So., Cartersville HS)  … finished eighth in the weight throw (14.92m) at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last Thursday and Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

GOLF

CHRISTINA SURCEY — Lipscomb University (So., Cartersville resident, North Cobb Christian HS) … carded rounds of 75-75-81 and tied for 45th as the Bisons tied for fifth at the Space Coast Classic this past Saturday and Sunday at par-72, 6,215-yard Duran Golf Club in Viera, Florida. Dartmouth won the tournament, followed by Columbia, Notre Dame, and Penn. The next tournament for Lipscomb is the Magnolia Collegiate on March 16-17 in Mobile, Alabama.

BASEBALL

DREW BILLINGS — Trinity College Jacksonville (Sr., Woodland HS) … made a relief appearance last Friday at Arlington Baptist University (TX) and retired the final five outs. He allowed three runs (none earned) on two hits, facing eleven batters. The Eagles (5-7) visit Thomas University (GA) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and play a three-game series at Bob Jones University (SC) on Friday and Saturday.

CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in a February 17 loss at Emory University and two home wins this past Sunday over Endicott College (MA) and Mississippi University for Women, Bonner went 3-for-13, including one double, one walk, two hit by pitch, one stolen base, and five RBI. LaGrange (6-3) welcomes Emory University on Tuesday night and plays a three-game series at North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday and Sunday.

CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (So., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-12 at the plate in a Yellow Jackets’ win at Georgia Southern on February 17 and a home three-game sweep of Stony Brook University (NY) this past weekend. Daniel had two doubles, one walk, one RBI, and scored four runs in the four games. Second-ranked Georgia Tech (8-0) hosts Georgia State University on Tuesday and Northwestern University for a three-game series on Friday through Sunday.

GAVIN DYSON — LaGrange College (Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … made pitching appearances at Emory University and at home against Mississippi University for Women, but retired only one out. He yielded one earned run on one hit, two walks, and two hit batters with no decision in either appearance. The Panthers lost 8-7 at Emory and defeated MUW 15-9. LaGrange (6-3) welcomes Emory University on Tuesday night and plays a three-game series at North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday and Sunday.

MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … entered in the eighth inning and worked a 2-⅓ inning relief appearance on February 14 as the Fire won 5-4 in ten innings at the University of Mobile. Earwood was credited with the pitching victory. Southeastern (12-4) hosts Peru State College (NE) for four games on Friday and Saturday.

ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 4-for-13 at the plate as the Scots won three of four home games against Wheaton College (IL) last Friday and Saturday. Eastin walked four times, scored six runs, had two RBI, and stole one base in the series. Covenant (6-1) welcomes Emory University for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … the right-hand pitcher recorded all three outs in the fourth inning on February 17 in a 7-5 loss at Virginia Tech. He allowed two unearned runs on one hit and one walk. The Buccaneers (6-1) host Appalachian State University on Tuesday and a three-game series with Quinnipiac University (CT) on Friday through Sunday.

RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (So., Adairsville HS) … was credited with a save following a three-inning relief appearance as the Knights beat visiting Rochester Christian University (MI) 13-5 last Friday. Farr gave up two earned runs on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. KCU (4-4) plays a doubleheader on Tuesday at Wilberforce University (OH) and hosts Indiana University Kokomo for three games on Friday and Saturday.

NICK HRUBY — Bryan College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a one-inning appearance at Cumberland University (TN) on February 17 with no decision, but a Lions win. Hruby gave up four earned runs on five hits. Bryan (8-7, 3-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) visits Columbia International University (SC) for three games on Friday and Saturday.

RYAN JOHNSON — University of Illinois (So., Cartersville HS) … made his first collegiate start and went 1-⅓ innings with no decision in an eventual 10-8 Iliini loss to visiting Butler University on February 17. Johnson yielded five earned runs on four hits and three hit batters. Illinois (3-4) will play Michigan State, College of Charleston, and the University of Albany this weekend at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina.

AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 5-for-14 at the plate in four games last weekend, including three doubles, one walk, two runs scored, and five RBI as the Chargers defeated Macomb CC (MI) and Catawba Valley CC (SC), but lost twice to Wabash Valley College (IL). GHC (16-6) hosts Pellissippi State CC (TN) for a doubleheader on Tuesday and welcomes Chattahoochee Valley CC (AL) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

HUNTER LOVETT — Oglethorpe University (Fr., Cass HS) … in his first collegiate appearance, Lovett faced three batters, allowed one hit, and struck out two to close out the fifth inning of a 14-1 Stormy Petrels home loss last Friday to Wooster College (OH). On Saturday, he entered in the seventh inning and pitched through the eighth, allowing one unearned run on one intentional walk with two strikeouts in an eventual 9-7 loss to the Scots. Oglethorpe (1-2) hosts Piedmont University on Tuesday night and Greensboro College (NC) for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made a start at second base and was 0-for-3 at the plate in a Quakers 5-4 home win last Saturday over Bob Jones University (SC). Guilford (4-3) hosts Southern Virginia University on Tuesday and Pfeiffer University (NC) on Wednesday.

LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-7, including six walks, one double, and two RBI as the Cougars swept a three-game series over visiting Claflin University (SC). CSU (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcomes Ohio Dominican University for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday.

AYDEN RAY — USC Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) … in three games — a home win over Robeson CC and a split of two games with USC Salkehatchie — Ray went 3-for-9, including one home run, one walk, two hit by pitch, five runs scored, and one sacrifice fly. The Lancers (8-6) visit Robeson CC on Wednesday and travel to Florence-Darlington Technical College for three games on Saturday and Sunday.

DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in three home starts against the University of Fort Lauderdale on Friday and Saturday, Rothschild went 4-for-12, including one home run, one double, two walks, two runs scored, and five RBI. The Stallions lost two of three in the series. ABAC (12-5) visits Middle Georgia State University on Tuesday before traveling to William Carey University (MS) for three games on Friday and Saturday.

LOGAN SHREWSBURY — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … pitched a scoreless fifth inning last Saturday during an 11-0 home win over Claflin University (SC). Shrewsbury allowed one hit and one walk while facing four batters. The Cougars (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) host Ohio Dominican University for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday.

HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made one start and appeared in two games this past weekend at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. The Wolves’ catcher was 1-for-4 at the plate as UWG lost all three games in the series. West Georgia (1-7) visits 7th-ranked Auburn on Wednesday night and plays three games at the University of South Alabama on Friday through Sunday.

KADEN STEPHENSON — Oglethorpe University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-12, including one double, one walk, two runs scored, and one RBI as the Stomy Petrels dropped two of three games to visiting Wooster College (OH) last Friday and Saturday. Oglethorpe (1-2) hosts Piedmont University on Tuesday night and welcomes Greensboro College (NC) for three games on Friday and Saturday.

DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made relief appearances at Kennesaw State University on February 17 and at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock on Friday in Wolves’ losses. The two appearances totaled 1-⅓ scoreless innings with one hit and two walks. West Georgia (1-7) visits 7th-ranked Auburn on Wednesday night and plays three games at the University of South Alabama on Friday through Sunday.

SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a five-inning pitching start and evened his record to 1-1 as the Cougars beat visiting Claflin University (SC) 17-3 this past Sunday. Wilson allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, one walk, and one hit batter, while fanning five. Columbus State (5-7, 4-2 Peach Belt Conference) welcomes Ohio Dominican University for three games on Saturday and Sunday.