Dillard Leads the Way With 6 HBCU Makeda Excellence Awardees

New Orleans, LA- It was a momentous occasion for Dillard University as they honored the 2022-2023 HBCU Makeda Excellence Awardees. The prestigious awards honored athletes, coaches, bands, and band directors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs. The honorees were Coach Nile Legania, Devonte Williams, Rachel Jackson, Coach Trennis Grant, and Jorge Guerra.

Coach Nile Legania, the head coach of the Men's and Women's Cross Country teams at Dillard University, was recognized for his outstanding leadership. He had led his teams to remarkable achievements, and his efforts did not go unnoticed. Coach Legania had coached one runner to an NAIA National Championships bid, and his Women's Cross-Country team had successfully defended its GCAC Championship while qualifying for NAIA Nationals for the first time in program history. His dedication and expertise earned him the 2022 HBCU Makeda Excellence Awards for both Men's and Women's Cross Country.

Devonte Williams, a talented athlete from Dillard University, was also honored. He had proven himself to be an exceptional runner, earning the title of All-GCAC performer and National Qualifier. Devonte had finished sixth overall at the 2022 GCAC Conference Championships and held school records in the 5k and 6k races. His hard work and determination had rightfully earned him a place among the honorees.

Rachel Jackson, another standout athlete from Dillard University, was recognized for her remarkable achievements in Women's Cross Country. She had been the GCAC Championship Runner-up and an NAIA National Qualifier for the second consecutive year. Rachel's dedication and talent had made her a force to be reckoned with on the cross-country course, and she was deserving of the honor she received.

Coach Trennis Grant, the head coach of the Dillard University baseball team, had made waves in the college baseball world. In his first year as head coach, he had led the Bleu Devils to a 22-30 record and a second-place finish in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Coach Grant's leadership had propelled the team to a GCAC Championship and an NAIA national tournament bid. Despite having a young team with thirty-five underclassmen, Coach Grant had guided them to success, earning him the title of GCAC Coach of the Year.

Jorge Guerra, a standout player on the Dillard University baseball team, was also honored. He had earned several accolades, including GCAC 1st team, GCAC Pitcher of the Year, GCAC All-Tournament, and Tournament Most Valuable Player. Jorge had been an integral part of the inaugural Dillard baseball team that won the conference championship in their first season of competition, securing an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. His exceptional performance on the mound had played a crucial role in the team's success.

Please see the original story link: https://hbcuconnect.com/content/390882/rice-fame-group-announces-the-inaugural-hbcu-makedaexcellence-awards-winners

-Bleu Devils-