JACKSON, Miss. - For the first-time ever, the Northeast Mississippi Community College athletic department has more Academic Teams of the Year than any of its sister institutions in the Magnolia State.
Five programs to be precise were recognized by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) with its top scholastic prize in their respective sport for the 2025-26 school year.
For the second consecutive year, Northeast also boasted the top team grade point average (GPA) among the now 20 total activities that are supported by MACCC members.
The women's golf program achieved that recognition by accumulating a sensational 3.95 GPA in its inaugural season. Prentiss County natives Andie Kate Ramey and Ivy-Kate Woodruff led the way with perfect 4.0 GPAs during both semesters.
Ramey put the Lady Tigers on the national radar by finishing in fourth place at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II national championship to secure All-American honors.
"It's an incredible accomplishment to achieve the highest GPA in not only women's golf, but all sports in the MACCC, our first year," said Northeast golf coach Leigh Treloar. "When they shifted into student mode, they did an excellent job of prioritizing their time and investing in their academics."
The cross country teams are now two-for-two in obtaining this prestigious accolade. The Lady Tigers compiled a stellar GPA of 3.75 while the Tigers improved their standing from a year ago with a 3.07 GPA.
Sunshine Fulgham and Ryder Warhurst, who graduated from local high schools East Union and Alcorn Central, respectively, were the top finishers for Northeast at the regional championships. They also had two of the top GPAs on their teams.
"I'm incredibly proud of the way our athletes represent Northeast and our community," Northeast cross country coach Aaron Hight said. "We are grateful for the support of everyone who helps create an environment where student-athletes can grow and succeed."
Baseball and women's basketball procured this award for the first time ever. The diamond Tigers bolstered a 3.52 GPA among its 32-man roster while the Lady Tigers pieced together a 3.44 GPA.
Three members of Northeast's pitching staff led the way with flawless 4.0 GPAs, including Jordan Evers of Saltillo, Jack Leak from Walnut and Brighton, Tenn., product MJ Parimore.
Tishomingo County High School alumnae Baylon Middleton, who broke the school record for most three-point baskets in a single season with 57 as a freshman, had a 4.0 for the Lady Tigers.
Both the baseball and women's basketball programs reached the postseason once again. The Tigers extended their playoff streak to five straight years while the Lady Tigers qualified in Brian Middleton's initial season as head coach.
"That's outstanding," said Northeast baseball coach Richy Harrelson. "Thanks to Mrs. (Erica) Miller, Mrs. (Leigh) Treloar and all those guys in the academic success center. I can't say enough about what they do for us."
"It's an honor for our team to lead the state with our GPA," said Middleton. "I'm proud of this accomplishment for our ladies and promise to continue to improve both on-and-off the court."
Northeast has a combined nine MACCC Academic Team of the Year winners over the last two school years. That is the most among the 15 community colleges in Mississippi as well.