NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced their Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field and Conference Carolinas had three individuals honored.
Grace Davis of Converse University was named Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, and her coach, Brandon Morton was tabbed Women’s Coach of the Year. Janara Bryant of the University of Mount Olive garnered Women’s Field Athlete of the Year honors.
2026 NCAA DIVISION II INDOOR TRACK & FIELD REGIONAL AWARDS
Morton led the Valkyries to a runner-up team finish at the Conference Carolinas Indoor Track & Field Championships. Converse set program records in seven events this season, including the 60 meters by NCAA DII Indoor champion Grace Davis.
Davis capped an undefeated season in the 60 meters by winning the event at the NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships. She clocked a personal record of 7.26 to win the title in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Earlier in the season, Davis set a meet record in the event at the Conference Carolinas Indoor Championships and helped her team to a runner-up finish.
Bryant placed third in the triple jump and 11th in the long jump at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships. She was also named Conference Carolinas Field Athlete of the Year after scoring 26 points at the conference championships, winning the triple jump with a meet record and finishing runner-up in both the high jump and long jump.
Each of the eight regions – Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West – honored both gender’s top track athletes and field athletes as well as the top men’s and women’s head coaches and assistant coaches.
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches following the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Performances from both the NCAA Championships and the regular season were considered. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.