GREENVILLE, S.C. | Young Harris College outfielder Kyle Chatham has been named the 2024-25 Conference Carolinas Elite 23 Award winner for baseball, as announced Tuesday morning by the league office. Kyle Chatham is the third Mountain Lion this school year to win the prestigious award.

The Elite 23 Award, presented by McGriff Insurance Services, is given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA competing at the final championship site in each Conference Carolinas-sponsored sport. Modeled after the NCAA's Elite 90 Award, it recognizes academic excellence among those competing for a title. 

Chatham, a key contributor for a Mountain Lions squad that reached new heights this season, boasted a standout academic record (4.0 GPA) while helping Young Harris to a historic campaign on the diamond. The Mountain Lions posted a 40-17 record, earned a share of the Conference Carolinas Baseball Regular Season Championship, finished as runner-up in the Conference Carolinas Baseball Championships, and secured the No. 4 seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional. 

On the field, Chatham appeared in 39 games with 33 starts, batting .296 with 40 hits, 27 RBI, and 29 runs scored. He also swiped six bases and carried a .364 on-base percentage, providing consistent production throughout the season. 

Chatham becomes the latest Young Harris student-athlete to receive the prestigious honor, further highlighting the College's commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.