Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has once again been recognized for its outstanding commitment to academic excellence among student-athletes, earning the David M. Halbrook Jr. Trophy for the 2024-25 academic year.

Gulf Coast captured the men’s award in the Community College Division, marking the program’s second consecutive win and seventh overall since 2009-10. The Bulldogs swept both the men’s and women’s awards last year, when the categories were first separated.

The Halbrook Award, established by the Mississippi Legislature in 1984, honors colleges and universities that achieve exceptional academic success and promote high graduation rates among student-athletes.

With more than 200 student-athletes competing across 11 varsity sports, Gulf Coast recorded the highest percentage of men’s student-athletes who graduated, completed their programs, or successfully transferred during the 2024-25 academic year.

“This outstanding achievement once again highlights the dedication of our student-athletes to performing at the highest level in every area,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC President. “Earning the Halbrook Award again demonstrates the continued excellence of our athletic programs and the unwavering support of our coaches, faculty, and staff. At Gulf Coast, we take great pride in developing champions who excel academically, athletically, and personally.”

MGCCC previously claimed the Halbrook Trophy in 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2015-16, 2021-22, and 2023-24.

In addition to the team honor, each institution selects a male and female student-athlete to receive the David Halbrook Certificate for Academic Achievement Among Athletes, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance in academics, leadership, and service. Gulf Coast’s honorees were soccer’s David Ruiz Ospina and tennis’ Danique Vermue.

The Mississippi Association of Colleges and Universities (MACU), which includes presidents and chancellors from the state’s higher education institutions, administers the awards. The Halbrook family endowed the program in memory of their parents, with former state lawmaker David Halbrook Sr. leading the effort.

For more information on MGCCC’s 12 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCBulldogs