ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - NC Wesleyan College senior baseball player Brad Pennington was named as the 2020-21 Male Student-Athlete of the year, the NCWC athletics department announced on Thursday. 

*This award honors an athlete's academics and athletic achievements and is separate from the Male Athlete of the Year award which will be announced next week. 

Pennington was the leader and captain in numerous categories on the East Division Champion and national qualifying 33-win baseball team while also keeping a 3.5 GPA majoring in Business Administration over his stellar Wesleyan career. He was also named to the USA South All-Academic Team during four of his five years as well.

"ROCK of this program for the last five years!" commented head coach Greg Clifton. "We thank Brad for all he has done for this program and especially what he did this year in leading us to a NCAA Regional Appearance. He bought in and was first class on and off the field."

The All-Conference and All-South Region catcher led the team in hits, average, fielding percentage, RBIs, home runs, doubles, and total bases.

Pennington graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration in May of 2020 and is currently in the NCWC M.B.A. Degree program where he will finish with his Master's Degree in Business in August.

"Being named a leader and captain of the team was something that I loved," commented Pennington. "I loved that because of the word respect. I carry myself to earn respect from all people and being called Captain made me feel like I was successful in that category."

"The pandemic gave me the opportunity to get my MBA, which I will have in August," Pennington continued. "Also, it gave me the opportunity to play another year of the sport I love. This past year has been one of the best years of my life. This year my team was able to get back on the winning track like I knew we could. I can officially say that I believe I left Wesleyan making it a better place and program than when I showed up."

Pennington also completed numerous Community Service activites coaching little league baseball and soccer teams for a combined 18 weeks, while also helping out at a local church and Buddy Ball program. He also volunteered at the Night to Shine program while volunteering and assisting at various baseball camps as well .

Schedule of Award Announcements:

July 6: Female Athlete of the Year

July 8: Male Athlete of the Year