Well, folks, we’ve made it. It’s the end of awards season at Rock M Nation — just in time for the 2026-27 sports season to begin! — and we’re ready to celebrate the digital winners of our fourth annual Rock M’my awards (pronounced like Emmy). I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading through the nominations, as there was a lot to celebrate and relive from the 2025-26 school year. New faces on the playing field and leading their respective teams, postseason highs, incredible individual and team performances,
perfect games, national titles, buzzer beaters… There was a lot of memorable stuff happening in CoMo and we wanted to make it as hard as humanly possible to pick a favorite in each category. Some of these categories were so hard to decide upon I actually can’t recall who I voted for…
Once again, I’m super proud of how the whole thing came together, and I am thankful for our diverse group of writers for thinking outside the box and doing a damn good job making sure as many teams as possible were represented. Special shoutout to Aaron Segal, who is a Rock M rookie and jumped right in, writing nominations left and right! Did we miss some nominations? Of course. I tried as much as possible to not double up on sports within a category so as not to split the votes. Sometimes that couldn’t be helped, however.
13 Mizzou sports teams were represented in the award nominations this year— I grouped swim & dive and track & field/cross country together across genders as one as they compete alongside one another at meets. With each nomination came great backstories, so even if you missed that particular event or don’t really follow that team, you could still make an informed decision of who was most deserving. I told the writers they could keep it short and sweet if they wanted as to not take up too much of their summertime, even if I am apparently incapable of writing a short lil’ blurb. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Now that all the votes for each award have been tabulated— a total of 1,563 ballots were cast! — it’s time to present a winners list.
Unlike in previous years where we could see real-time updates of how the votes were going, the SBNation overlords switched things up this year — booooo, Vox Media — and I had to outsource the creation of the poll and subsequent updates to a poll creator. Did this change have an impact on the voting numbers? Perhaps. Does it make the results a surprise? YES! WHO DOESN’T LOVE SURPRISES?!
So congrats to the student-athletes, teams and coaching staffs who were nominated and awarded our completely serious awards that will undoubtedly be the greatest triumph in your lives thus far. Feel free to print your award and hang it up next to all your real trophies and awards.
Without further ado… the winners.
[disclaimer: I did not influence the votes, I swear]
PHOTO OF THE YEAR:
The Nominees:
“Exit Interview”, MBB | “Everything Was a Blur”, TFXC | “Mirror, Mirror on the Ground, Who is the Fastest Runner Around?”, TFXC | “Breaking the Surface”, S&D | “Put Your Game Faces on, Boys, It’s Standoff Time”, MBB | “Ying and Yang, But Make it Basketball”, MBB | “Eyes on the Prize”, GYM | “The Danger Zone”, FB | “Fire and Water”, FB
Votes Tabulated: 208
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: “Mirror, Mirror on the Ground”, TFXC
We’re so, so lucky to have such phenomenal photographers on staff that we were able to have this category for the second year in a row, and I honestly don’t know how people decided on the winner. Was it a feeling of nostalgia and excitement for the start of a game? Did you find it visually striking, like T.O. vs Tennessee or the reflection created by the water at the Drake Relays? Did you love the angle of the shot, like Kaia starting her vault? Or love the interaction, like Truman interacting with the crowd? For whatever the reason, this was the most hotly contested category, with every photo receiving votes, and the top four vote getters staying pretty close.
For me, I chose “Mirror, Mirror” for a couple reasons. One, it felt different than all the others, which captured a sense of joy or action. This photo, taken by Dan Murphy, was just…. cool. I remember the moment I saw it, and I’m pretty sure I messaged Dan when I laid eyes on it, like HOLY SHIT THIS IS SO COOL, as it’s just visually stunning. “Everything was a Blur” was also in contention for me, as it also was just a cool photo, especially when accompanied by Dan’s description, as well as “Exit Interview,” because I could almost FEEL the emotions in that photo. I additionally loved the pomp and circumstance in two of Hannah’s picks, the look of concentration on Kaia Tanskanen’s face, and the shapes of the interacting players in “Yin & Yang.”
Third Place: “Fire & Water” (nominated by Hannah Henderson, 39 votes)
Runner-up: “Eyes on the Prize” (nominated by Hannah Henderson, 43 votes)
The Winner: “Yin & Yang, But Make it Basketball” (nominated by Margo Jenkins, 53 votes)
MARGO’S NOTES/NOMINATION: As I’ve said before, one of my favorite things about photography is finding art in places where people aren’t expecting it. Basketball is full of patterns, balance, and movement, and this frame reminded me of a yin and yang symbol. T.O. Barrett’s body reaches effortlessly toward the basket while the Tennessee defender stretches in the opposite direction, creating two opposing shapes that somehow fit perfectly together. The contrast between Missouri’s white uniforms and Tennessee’s bright orange only adds to that visual balance.
Barrett had an incredible game against Tennessee, and this image captures just how dominant he was. Even the players in the background seem to stop and watch, almost reacting the same way the crowd did. In that moment, everyone became a spectator. That’s what drew me to this frame. It isn’t just about scoring a basket, it’s about capturing a moment where everything else seems to pause. That’s what I love about sports photography. Beyond documenting the game, it lets me find small moments of art hidden inside the competition.
BEST INTERVIEW:
The Nominees:
Todd Schaefer, Women’s Basketball | Abby Hay, Softball | Dawn Sullivan, Volleyball | Jase Woita, Baseball | Zion Young, Football | Kyle Levermore, Track & Field | Hannah Horton, Gymnastics | Aeoden Sinclair, Wrestling | Jacob Crews, Men’s Basketball
Votes Tabulated: 171
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Hannah Horton, Gymnastics
Best Interview was a new addition this year, as I wanted our many credentialed media members to think about who they talked this season that left an impact on them. Since I’m also based in CoMo, I was able to take part in many of these as well, offering up several suggestions for nominations. My vote ultimately had to go with my girl, H2, as I had the pleasure of getting to talk to her so much this season and I loved watching her come out of her shell. Also in contention for me nominations-wise were gymnasts Kennedy Griffin and Elise Tisler, both absolute JOYS to talk to.
From those nominated, I also considered Abby Hay, who was actually the inspiration for this award, based on an interview with her a few years ago where she compared herself to a character from the movie, Cars. I also considered wrestler Aeoden Sinclair and coaches Dawn Sullivan and Kyle Levermore, passionate speakers who I personally heard speak and marveled at.
Third Place: Zion Young (nominated by Matthew Gustafson, 31 votes)
Runner-up: Abby Hay (nominated by Aaron Segal, 52 votes)
The Winner: Hannah Horton (nominated by Karen Steger, 63 votes)
From the Nomination: For someone who has historically been a bit introverted with the media, Hannah Horton sure came out of her shell this past year with the help of her new floor music, featuring her favorite musical artist, Tyler, the Creator. Turns out, if you are asked for interviews constantly like Hannah was, you kinda get used to us and start to open up! I honestly lost count of how many times we talked to the team MVP this past season, but it was always enjoyable.
Ask H2 about Tyler, the Creator, and her face would light up. In late March, we asked about her trying to get the artist’s attention on her Instagram (with the help of the team social accounts), and she talked for longer than I think we’ve ever heard her speak.
“I love Tyler, the Creator. He’s been my favorite artist, in my top five, since like, freshman or sophomore year of high school,” she said. “And so, especially since I have a Tyler, the Creator floor routine, I just want him to notice me so bad, but it’s whatever if he doesn’t. But still I love Tyler, the Creator.”
“Please notice me. He could just come to a meet,” she added.
A few weeks later, we asked about it again.
“So Hannah, any luck getting free Tyler, the Creator tickets?” we asked.
“No actually, he has not gotten back to me,” she said. “It’s okay. It’s fine. Still my top artist. He’s very famous. He has a lot of things to worry about, so it’s whatever.”
Amazing.
BEST PERFORMANCE (individual):
The Nominees:
Grace Slaughter’s career-high 33 points vs. Northwestern | Marissa McCann’s perfect game | Drew Rogers’ SEC mile title | Luke Nebrich at SEC Championships | Josh McDevitt’s 6 1/3 innings vs. Georgia | Maya Sands’ 32 digs vs. South Carolina | Hannah Horton, Regional Floor Co-Champ | Ahmad Hardy’s 300 rushing yards vs. Mississippi State | Gian Octa’s straight-set victory vs. no. 11 South Carolina | Mark Mitchell’s double-double and buzzer beater vs. Oklahoma
Votes Tabulated: 173
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Marissa McCann’s Perfect Game (OR) Drew Rogers’ SEC Title
This was a hard one, y’all, and I’m betting if you read all the nominations, you likely found it difficult to decide upon a vote as well. I am actually shocked by how little votes Drew Rogers’ SEC mile title win got, as it was an incredible achievement, but I’m wondering if people held it against him that he announced his transfer in the offseason? (perhaps we don’t include that tidbit next time?) Sands and Slaughter had equally impressive performances on their respective courts in my eyes. Hardy was a man on a mission against the Bulldogs, putting up video game statistics. I watched Hannah claim a share of her first Regional title in person, and she should have gotten the title all to herself had she been judged fairly (ties are common in gymnastics as there are only so many scores you can get). For my pick, I went with either (I can’t remember) Marissa McCann’s perfect game, which we watched in awe perched above home plate in the Mizzou Softball Stadium press box and were scared to mention for fear of jinxing it, or Rogers’ aforementioned title.
Third Place: Marissa McCann’s Perfect Game (nominated by Karen Steger, 35 votes)
Runner-up: Hannah Horton, Co-Regional Floor Champion (nominated by Karen Steger, 47 votes)
The Winner: Hardy’s 300 rushing yards vs. MS State (nominated by Quentin Corpuel, 58 votes)
From the Nomination: Ahmad Hardy, who runs like a rocket-fueled 18-wheeler going downhill, might’ve been the best athlete I saw in my four years at Mizzou and might be the most talented MU running back of this century. Even though the Tigers were out of the College Football Playoff by the time they hosted Mississippi State, Hardy going for 300 yards was still incredible to watch. I just hope we can see him play again this season.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
The Nominees:
Kimarra Echols, GYM| Alex Ackman, TEN | Ahmad Hardy, FB | Zoey Matias-Lopez, VB | Shannon Dowell, WBB | Abby Carr, SB | Dillon Leacock, T&F | Jayden Stone, MBB | Kam Durnin, BASE
Votes Tabulated: 320
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Kimarra Echols, Gymnastics
This ended up being an odd category votes-wise, as the top three vote getters accounted for 310 out of the 320 votes, so I guess it was obvious who the best of the newbies were in our voters’ eyes, especially on the men’s side.
Also, funny enough, I had decided early on to award a guy and a girl for this one as I was SURE that Ahmad Hardy would run away with it. I mean… he’s Ahmad F’ing Hardy. And while Hardy did end up with a share of the title, he actually didn’t end up with the most votes overall – HA! — and he didn’t get my ultimate vote, as I’m a gymnastics loyalist, and football was so long ago and honestly just doesn’t stick with me like other sports. Having watched Ki all season, I just couldn’t NOT give her my vote, as she had an incredible season and was just an absolute joy to watch. And she was just a freshman!! Also in contention for me was Abby Carr, softball’s first two-way player that I’ve had the chance to cover.
Runner-up: Abby Carr (nominated by Aaron Segal, 76 votes)
The Winners: Kimarra Echols (nominated by Karen Steger, 135 votes) & Ahmad Hardy (nominated by Nate Edwards, 99 votes)
From the Nominations:
A 1,000+ yard freshman rusher from the Sun Belt came to an SEC team against an SEC schedule and performed better than he did the previous year. It’s hard to come up with new accolades for such a household phenom at this point, but Ahmad Hardy – in his first year on the team – finished with the second-most single-season rushing yards in school history (because I recognize Devin West’s 1,703 marker, ahem), the second-ever 300+ yard rushing game in school history, and an All-SEC and All-American nod. Not bad for a no-name, unranked kid from Oma, Mississippi.
There’s simply no way to look at what Kimarra Echols accomplished her freshman season and not be ridiculously impressed. She also was just an absolute joy to watch, full of exuberance and confidence.
The 5-foot-tall Henderson, Nev. native earned a trio of 9.90-plus scores on vault, a feat considered even more incredible when you realize she competed a Yurchenko Full, which has only a 9.95 start value (max score). One of those 9.90 scores was at the SEC Championships… and should have been higher.
Here are my notes from that meet: “As for Kimarra, here’s what I wrote in my notes in capital letters — SHE STUCK THAT SHIT. For the stick on her YF? Just a 9.90. She was robbed. ROBBED, I tell you.”
Seriously… watch it.
I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the high-flying gymnast her sophomore season!
Ki also put up seven (7!!) scores of 9.90-plus on bars (including a 9.90 at SECs) performing the second-ever Khorkina in team history, a difficult single bar release move that (Nate & I think) only two other SEC gymnasts competed this season— LSU’s Courtney Blackson and Kailin Chio. Debuting as the anchor on January 24 at Alabama, Kimarra closed out the Tiger bars rotation in a stunning 11 straight meets.
Kimarra took four event titles this past season, earning All-SEC honors on vault (third place in first session of SECs) and bars (second place in first session of SECs) and was selected as member of the SEC All-Freshman Team, an incredible honor given the ridiculous power of the Southeastern Conference. Additionally, she earned WCGA Regular Season Second Team All-American honors on bars, ranking no. 15 nationally (tied for fourth highest among other freshmen).
MOST EUPHORIC MOMENT:
The Nominees:
Women’s Hoops beats Cal on buzzer beater | Gymnastics knocks off #2 Florida for highest ranked win ever | Softball hands #4 Alabama second loss of season | Volleyball beats Tennessee on the road | Women’s Golf shocks the country at NCAAs | Mizzou Hoops’ SEC opening win over defending national champs, Florida | Collier Dyer, 3-meter national champ | The Vanderbilt Fog Game | Jamal Roberts ices kU
Votes Tabulated: 144
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Collier Dyer, 3-meter national champ
There were sooooo many good choices in this one, and many of these I had the privilege of seeing in person. The buzzer beater against Cal was cool as hell and I loved watching Kellie Harper & Co. get a signature win. While #2 Florida Gym was vastly to blame for its own demise after a truly unfortunate bars situation, the Tigers held on and got an incredible W. I loved watching Women’s Golf break through this season, and they were THE surprise of the Mizzou Athletics season much in the same way Gym was the year before. The Florida hoops win was epic and just so fun to be a part of. Mizzou Arena was electric for the SEC opener, and it’s not a game I will soon forget (and I was there with my friends, which was super cool). The fog game was just so surreal given the whole weather/did-Vandy-hit-a-homer situation, and who doesn’t love to see their most hated rival lose?! Ultimately, I went with Collier Dyer, who I should have nominated for Best Performance, but went with another Mizzou swim & dive member instead. Watching him earn his first national title and Mizzou’s first diving title was so, so cool, and a moment that will not be forgotten.
Third Place: Collier Dyer, 3-meter national title (nominated by Karen Steger, 16 votes)
Runner-up: Gymnastics knocks off #2 Florida for highest ranked win ever (nominated by Karen Steger, 31 votes)
The Winner: Jamal Roberts ices kU (nominated by Josh Matejka, 63 votes
From the Nomination: You know when I’m often feeling euphoric? Right when I think everything has gone to shit. And nothing made me feel that way more in 2025’s Mizzou Football campaign than going down 21-6 to kU within the first quarter of the Border War revival. Luckily the Tigers got back into the game just fine, but the slow start allowed the Jayhawks to keep themselves in the game far too long. Even with the Tigers up 35-31, I didn’t feel comfortable. Then Jamal Roberts cut through the Jayhawks defense like butter and put sealed Mizzou’s first win (of hopefully many) in the revived rivalry matchup. The result of the season notwithstanding, I still get a rush out of making kansas miser.
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
The Nominees:
Jayla Smith, Women’s Basketball | Cierra Harrison, Softball | Zoey Matias- Lopez, Volleyball | Keagen Trost, Football | The Divers, Swim & Dive | Gracie Britton, Softball | Ayla Acevedo, Gymnastics | Nicholas Rodriguez, Football | Monica Wanjiku, Track & Field | Hailey Chambliss, Soccer | Trent Pierce, Men’s Basketball
Votes Tabulated: 172
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Ayla Acevedo (OR) Cierra Harrison
I will confess something here. I nominated CC for this award as a last-minute addition despite the fact that we already had a softball nominee — the deserving youngin’ Gracie Britton — and despite the fact that she was Mizzou’s best pitcher and absolutely did NOT play a supporting role on the team. I was honestly just super pissed at the commentary on her this season by the “Mizzou faithful” like she somehow wasn’t as good as she was. I wrote my nomination hoping they would see it, and in the off-chance that CC and other members of the softball team would know she was appreciated. I wanted her to win because she deserved an award and to spite the jerks.
With two softball and two football players nominated, however, it likely split the vote a bit. I loved reading about Monica’s progress this season, and Hailey coming back from having a baby to have the season she had was incredible. It also was wonderful to see Trent Pierce, who had been hurt much of his career, make an impact, as well as the emergence of Jayla Smith in her lone Mizzou season. I also thought the divers deserved their props, as coach Kyle Bogner really put together a great roster in his final season at the helm.
Alas, I think I voted twice on this one — once on my computer and once on my phone, casting one for CC and one for the Goddess in Glasses, Ayla. I sooooo admired Ayla’s fight to make a dent in lineups this season, and she was a secret weapon of sorts, especially early on. It also about brought me to tears on several occasions hearing the way her teammates talked glowingly about her.
Third Place: Keagen Trost (nominated by Josh Matejka, 14 votes)
Runner-Up: Gracie Britton (nominated by Dylan Heinrich, 18 votes)
The Winner: Ayla Acevedo (nominated by Karen Steger, 101 votes)
FROM THE NOMINATION: After not making any lineups her freshman season, the sophomore devoted her offseason to training and wow, did it pay off this past season. The Goddess in Glasses, as she became known by the Gymternet, became a fan favorite and reliable contributor on floor, making a dozen appearances and earning three scores of 9.90-plus, including a 9.925 in the historic win over #2 Florida in February. Her high-flying double pike was marveled at, her drive was oftentimes mentioned by her teammates, and her three-pass routine — a rarity in NCAA these days — was always praised on tv. “You just don’t see that that much anymore,” they’d say.
After making her collegiate debut in the team’s opener against Iowa State, her teammates rushed the floor and I totally teared up. Hannah Horton beamed with pride when asked about her teammate’s debut.
“Let me just say, you can see the growth from her freshman year to now, and it’s like, wow, you have been putting in the work and you’ve been trusting everything. I’m so proud of her,” she said. “My heart was literally like, ‘Oh, Ayla!’”
In a pinch, Ayla also found herself in vault lineups in four meets (not counting exhibition appearances), oftentimes serving as the next one up, able to fill in at a moment’s notice. Her best performance was a 9.85 on her Yurchenko Full (9.95 start value) at SECs, which helped secure the Tigers’ second place finish in Session 1, as well as her 9.80 in the Regional Finals, when she filled in for Kaia as a last minute change.
“I think what’s so cool is that we have so much depth in our lineups,” Addi Lawrence said, also after the first meet. “Even in the alternate position or in the outside training positions, everyone has a shot to be in the lineup, and whoever’s day is that day.”
BEST COACH:
The Nominees:
Kyle Bogner, Diving | Caroline Westrup Gaeta, Women’s Golf | Curtis Luper, Football | Kyle Levermore, Track & Field/Cross Country | Connor Mammola, Softball | Jackie Terpak, Gymnastics | Wendel Camargo, Volleyball | Tim Fuller, Men’s Hoops | Keegan O’Toole, Wrestling
Votes Tabulated: 176
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Jackie Terpak, Gymnastics (OR) Caroline Westrup Gaeta, Women’s Golf
Another new category, and this was a really hard one to decide upon as well! While previously I allowed for coaches to be nominated for best supporting roles — they are, after all, supporters of their teams — I gave them their own category this year. As mentioned previously, what Kyle Bogner did for Mizzou’s diving team this season was incredible and should be celebrated. Levermore did a fantastic job with Track & Field / Cross Country. Connor was a fabulous addition for Mizzou Softball as their new pitching coordinator, and he was constantly praised by our softball writing staff. Fuller’s role in recruiting could not be understated, and the addition of Keegan to the TigerStyle staff was awesome and shouted out by the team throughout the season. For me, it came down to Caroline Westrup Gaeta, who is building something special with the women’s golf team and took them to their best finish in program history, and my fave choreographer/fashion icon, Jackie Terpak. Both are equally deserving of this award in my eyes. CWG should have gotten way more votes, y’all.
Third Place: Connor Mammola (nominated by Aaron Segal, 22 votes)
Runner-up: Curtis Luper (nominated by Sammy Stava & Matthew Gustafson, 32 votes)
The Winner: Jackie Terpak (nominated by Karen Steger, 88 votes)
From the Nomination: Mizzou’s nationally recognized ‘Fab Floor’ squad would not be nearly as “fab” without the hard work and encouragement of assistant coach and choreographer, Jackie Terpak, who choreographed 14 — FOURTEEN! — routines for the 2025-26 season, including Hannah Horton’s co-regional title winning Tyler, The Creator-themed routine, Kaia Tanskanen’s Hamilton-themed routine, and Kennedy Griffin’s incredibly entertaining (and high-scoring) journey through Beyonce’s discography, which hit year three.
Talk to the athletes and they are effusive in their praise of Jackie.
“She’s so supportive, and she’ll stand in the corner and tell us our words,” freshman Maiya Terry said after one meet, referencing the different key words that they apply to each athlete’s routine. “It’s great to be thinking about that going into our passes, and it always helps so much.”
“I’m always like, Jackie, can you be in my corner and hit me in my corner over there, too?” senior Elise Tisler said in another post-meet interview. “I love having Jackie there, because she just brings the best choreography and she brings the best energy too.”
The results speak for themselves. The floor squad, along with the help of head coach Shannon Welker, earned a whopping 42 scores of 9.90 or higher on floor this season (all but 4 of those scores returning in 2026-27), along with 28 season high scores. Five floor members earned All-SEC honors, including Ayla Acevedo, who debuted floor this year, Elise, Kennedy, Kaia and Hannah. It’s no surprise that the Tigers hold, per Drew Porche, the second longest active streak in the country of rotation scoring 49.00 or higher. And it also should come as no surprise that her hard work was recognized by the WCGA, earning the program’s first Regional Assistant Coach of the Year.
MOST GUT-WRENCHING MOMENT:
The Nominees:
Mizzou Hoops’ loss to Miami in Round of 64 | Volleyball’s loss to Ole Miss in SEC Tournament | No Words: Women’s Hoops 90-84 exhibition loss to D-II Maryville | Gymnastics season ends in Lexington at Regional Final | Mizzou Softball falls to Auburn in SEC Tournament, missing Big Dance | Blake Craig goes down | One point away: Tiger Tennis falls in heartbreaker to no. 55 Arkansas | Football loses a QB (and the game) to Vanderbilt
Votes Tabulated: 105
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Gym season ends at Lexington Regional Finals
Ahhhh… the award that people love to hate. It’s not all sunshine and black & gold rainbows, you guys! We know that our teams are prone to a Mizzou’d Moment, and those too should be… celebrated? I’m not sure this is an award anyone WANTS to win since it means something bad happened, but as voice of the Tigers Phil Fortaleza told me, it makes you appreciate the good stuff more.
Two of the three top vote-getters in this one ended up being football injury-related, which just tells you how this season could have gone if not for… that (sad face). The WBB loss didn’t end up mattering as it was an exhibition game, but man, if it didn’t send Mizzou Nation into a spiral from the jump. I watched the Mizzou Hoops tourney loss with my bud Ben Hartong in Lexington (where we were covering what would be another gut-wrenching end of season) and the game being lost in the Show-Me State was a special kind of heartbreak. The softball loss was whiplash-inducing as it came so suddenly, and perhaps (rightfully so) led to some discussions about if HCLA is the answer for this team. The volleyball loss was also upsetting, as it was another team losing out on a postseason bid, and bearing witness to the gym season ending with missing Nationals was depressing as all hell because we all knew they could have done better.
Third Place: Blake Craig goes down (nominated by Josh Matejka, 16 votes)
Runner-up: Gymnastics misses Nationals (nominated by Karen Steger, 20 votes)
The Winner: Mizzou loses a QB… and the game to Vandy (nominated by Nate Edwards, 29 votes)
From the Nomination: Let’s set the scene: It’s around 4:00p central on Saturday, October 25th. Missouri, fresh off of an overtime road victory over Auburn, is in a defensive slop fest with #10 Vanderbilt in Nashville. It’s the beginning of the 3rd quarter and Vandy gets the ball to start the half. After two Sedrick Alexander runs, Missouri is bestowed a rare gift, when Diego Pavia’s pass to Eli Stowers is tipped by Chris McClellan and picked off by Damon Wilson. Wilson isn’t able to return it far, but it doesn’t matter; Missouri has the ball on Vanderbilt’s 20-yard line. This could be the thing that helps lean the game to a Mizzou victory over a Top 10 team on the road.
First play: Kevin Coleman takes a pitch ten yards to the Vandy 10. Ahmad Hardy then runs twice for 8 yards. It’s 3rd-and-goal on the Commodore 2-yard line and Beau Pribula throws an incomplete pass to Donovan Olugbode.
Now it’s 4th-down. A pivotal moment to seize momentum and you have the best running back in the SEC. What do you do?
Well, if you’re Kirby Moore, you tell Beau Pribula to run the “Brady-Cook-fakes-a-toss-and-then-runs-it-up-the-middle” play. Ya know, that play that always worked for Brady Cook but no one else. And Beau gets stuffed at the 1-yard line. But not only that, because a Vandy defender twists Priubla’s ankle in a manner that an ankle shouldn’t be twisted, and Pribula is carted off the field in an air cast.
Missouri doesn’t score. One possession later, Vandy rips an 80-yard run for a touchdown.
Beau Pribula certainly will never be confused for Brad Smith (or even Brady Cook) but a team is much more likely to win a game with an upperclassman quarterback than a freshman… and Pribula’s injury meant the only quarterback (reasonably) left to play was freshman Matt Zollers. Meaning the rest of the game – and Mizzou’s season – was essentially lost.
2025 wasn’t a great Missouri squad, but it was a Top 25 team, and the way Eli Drinkwitz teams play means they can win any game late thanks to close-game execution. But without a reliable kicker and your top two quarterbacks, there wasn’t much the team could do to beat Vandy or Texas A&M down the stretch.
Pribula eventually came back later in the year, but the opportunity to beat Top 10 team on the road was present and the play calling/injury ensured that this opportunity would not come to fruition.
(Editor’s note: I loved this nomination. Nate has a way with words)
BEST TEAM:
The Nominees:
Women’s Golf | Women’s Javelin | Gymnastics | Football | Men’s Basketball
Votes Tabulated: 94
Karen’s Vote/Rationale: Women’s Golf
The final award, which also meant that voters for this one had limited time to cast their ballots. I know that Matthew & Co. truly didn’t think the football and men’s hoops programs should have been included on this list, but for being the school’s money-makers and the sports that many people care about the most, I thought they should be included, especially men’s hoops, as they knocked off some really good teams, even if it did end in a Mizzou’d sort of way. I absolutely love that Sophie nominated women’s javelin, who was ranked first nationally most of the season. They should have gotten way more votes than they did. Women’s Golf had A YEAR, and that is ultimately why they got my vote, despite Gymnastics being “my team” and technically ending the year ranked higher. What Caroline Westrup Gaeta and her crew accomplished was unforgettable, and watching them ascend through the NCAA rounds was must-see tv (or in my case, must-scroll-thru-live-results on my phone nonstop).
Third Place: Women’s Javelin (nominated by Sophie Silvers, 4 votes)
Runner-up: Women’s Golf (nominated by Dylan Heinrich, 27 votes)
The Winner: Gymnastics (nominated by Karen Steger, 60 votes)
From the Nomination: While Mizzou Gymnastics’ season didn’t end with a back-to-back appearance at nationals, you really can’t complain about a team that consistently is tops in the country. The Tigers, who entered the season with a program-high preseason no. 7 ranking per the WCGA, finished the 2025-26 season ranked no. 11 nationally with their sixth consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16, and all events ranked in the top 11 (if not for a late beam issue, they likely would have all been top 10).
In their new home, Mizzou Arena, the Tigers knocked off their highest ranked opponent ever when they beat no. 2 Florida by 0.700 in early February at Mizzou Arena and also took their first win ever at Neville Arena against Auburn in mid-March.
Mizzou Gym earned a record number of All-SEC honors (11), which was the most in the entire conference and yet ANOTHER SEC Specialist of the Year in Hannah Horton, who received the third such honor in four years. They also had two WCGA Regular Season All-American honors with Addi Lawrence (1st team, beam) and Kimarra Echols (2nd team, bars), making them one of only six teams in the country to have at least two athletes earn regular season AA honors each of the last five seasons. Shannon Welker earned back-to-back WCGA South Central Regional Coach of the Year honors, and Jackie Terpak earned the program’s first WCGA Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. Oh, and Lauren Macpherson won SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year, as well.
You should expect to see the Tigers included here again next year, as they killed it in the recruiting game, bringing in the no. 6 class in the country, led by 5-stars Imani White (also the no. 1 recruit in the country) and Kendall Morgan.
