Seven Student-Athletes. Seven Sports. Seven Player of the Year Honors.
Muskingum Athletics is proud to recognize seven exceptional student-athletes who earned Player of the Year honors between 2024 and 2026.
Representing seven different sports, these Fighting Muskies have helped define one of the most successful eras in recent program history. Their accomplishments include conference and national player-of-the-year awards, All-American honors, record-breaking performances, and championship-level success, showcasing the excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit that continue to elevate Muskingum Athletics on the conference and national stage.
Kelly Hawvermale – Archery
Two-Time Female Barebow All-Around Archer of the Year
Hawvermale continued her rise as one of the nation's premier collegiate archers during the 2025-26 season. The sophomore set a new national record in women's barebow with a 623 qualification score at the USA Archery Collegiate Target Nationals and finished as the national runner-up. Hawvermale was also named the Female Barebow All-Around Archer of the Year for the second consecutive season, earned All-American honors, and helped lead Muskingum to its best national finish in program history.
JC Gore – Football
OAC Wide Receiver of the Year
Gore authored one of the top receiving seasons in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Gore earned the Ed Sherman Award as OAC Wide Receiver of the Year after leading the conference with 59 receptions while totaling 735 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Cara Taylor – Softball
OAC Player of the Year
Taylor ranked among NCAA Division III's national leaders with a .507 batting average while collecting 74 hits, 24 doubles, 55 runs scored, 32 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases. Taylor's remarkable campaign also earned First Team All-OAC, First Team NFCA All-Region, and NFCA All-American and CSC Academic All-American honors.
Tobie Teke – Baseball
OAC Player of the Year
Teke capped his outstanding Muskie career by earning Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. Teke batted .381 with 51 hits, 40 runs scored, and 30 RBIs while leading the OAC in both stolen bases (35) and on-base percentage (.536). A three-time All-OAC selection, Teke became Muskingum's first OAC Baseball Player of the Year since 2008 and helped lead the Muskies to a record-tying 28-win season.
Tayler Clark – Women's Bowling
Rookie of the Year
Tayler Clark immediately established herself among the nation's top collegiate bowlers. Clark earned OBC Newcomer of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors during a season that saw her help the Muskies capture a Club National Championship. She followed that performance with First Team All-OBC and First Team All-American honors while helping Muskingum secure an OBC Conference Championship and national top-20 ranking.
Katharine Clayton – Volleyball
OAC Libero of the Year
Clayton anchored one of the OAC's most effective defensive units during Muskingum volleyball's breakthrough season. The junior earned OAC Libero of the Year honors after ranking among the conference leaders in digs and collecting multiple OAC Defensive Player of the Week awards. Clayton's leadership in the back row helped the Muskies post an 18-win season, earn a third-place OAC finish, and advance to the OAC Tournament Semifinals.
Avery Black – STUNT
Division III Jumps & Tumbling Specialist of the Year
Black played a pivotal role in the most successful season in Muskingum STUNT history. The sophomore was named the Division III Jumps & Tumbling Specialist of the Year after helping lead the Muskies to a National Runner-Up finish. Black's accomplishments also included First Team All-American recognition and selection to the National Championship All-Tournament Team as Muskingum set a program record with 14 victories and captured a conference championship.
The accomplishments of Hawvermale, Gore, Taylor, Teke, Clark, Clayton, and Black reflect the continued growth and success of Muskingum Athletics. Through conference championships, national recognition, postseason appearances, and historic performances, these student-athletes have helped define one of the most successful eras in recent Fighting Muskie history.