Most Outstanding Athlete: Savannah McCaskill — Women's Soccer
After being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and also a finalist for the Honda Sport Award for women's soccer, it is only fitting that McCaskill's magical 2016 season should end with yet another honor. McCaskill broke single-season records for goals, points and game-winning goals and was the driving force in a South Carolina team that went 17-0-1 during the regular season.
Honorable Mentions: A'ja Wilson — Women's Basketball, Julia Vincent — Swimming & Diving
Most Improved Athlete: PJ Dozier — Men's Basketball
Full disclosure, the longterm evolution of Dozier's talent has long been a point of contention among the members of The Daily Gamecock's sports desk since he arrived at South Carolina. Dozier's improved efficiency as a shooter, drastic reduction in turnovers and demonstrated leadership in the absence of senior guard Sindarius Thornwell have all but subsided that debate.
A five-star recruit and Columbia native, Dozier's raw talent was recognized by the program early on, but as a freshman he didn't make the immediate impact that many fans expected. This season he has better employed his physicality on the perimeter to find open shots, and also has been significantly better at the free-throw line. Through 15 games he is averaging 15.4 points per game, up from a 6.7 last season.
Honorable Mentions: Alex Destino — Baseball; Kaleigh Kurtz — Women's Soccer
Most Impressive Freshman: Jake Bentley — Football
Bentley was not the only freshman to make an impact on the gridiron for the Gamecocks this season, but his first start did coincide with a major turning point in South Carolina's season. Bentley helped transform one of the worst scoring offenses in the country before his arrival and led the Gamecocks to a bowl game after they started the season 2-4. In six games without Bentley under center, the Gamecocks averaged just 14 points per game. After his first start against Massachusetts, they averaged 26.6 points per game.
Honorable Mentions: Mikayla Krzeczowski — Women's Soccer, Braden Webb — Baseball
Coach of the Year: Shelley Smith — Women's Soccer
With Smith at the helm, the Gamecocks were unbeaten in the regular season and amassed a school-record 21 wins including the postseason. Like many of her players, Smith was recognized for her efforts and was named the SEC Coach of the Year.
Most Outstanding Professional: Jackie Bradley Jr. (2009-2011) — Boston Red Sox
One of the most iconic players in the history of South Carolina baseball, Bradley finally evolved into the MLB All-Star that he flashed the potential of becoming while in Columbia. Bradley's 2016 campaign was highlighted by a 29-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors last season. The 2010 College World Series Most Outstanding Player hit a career-best 26 home runs and played stellar defense for the Red Sox.
Honorable Mentions: Natasha Hastings — Sprinter for USA Track and Field; Jadeveon Clowney — Houston Texans