GREENVILLE, S.C. | Young Harris College Strength and Conditioning has been named the 2025-2026 Sports Performance Training Conference Carolinas Strength and Conditioning Staff of the Year. A department comprised of YHC Director of Sports Performance, Crystal McCullough, this award comes well deserved following a stellar year in the weight room that translated to success in competition.

The Strength and Conditioning Staff of the Year award is voted on by the strength and conditioning departments at each Conference Carolinas member institution.

"This recognition is so well-deserved," said Young Harris College Vice President for Athletics and Student Engagement Emily Carella. "Coach Crystal pours everything into our student-athletes every single day, and Conference Carolinas naming her Strength and Conditioning Staff of the Year is proof of that work. I couldn't be prouder of this accomplishment."

Following a successful year that saw the Mountain Lions men's soccer, men's basketball, women's lacrosse and baseball all win team Conference Carolinas Championships to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament, this award is proof of the behind-the-scenes work put in by Coach Crystal and the student athletes. In her two years as the Director of Sports Performance at Young Harris, McCullough has made significant contributions to student athlete performance and major upgrades to the weight room to enhance the student athlete experience.

"I am incredibly grateful to the conference for this recognition," said Young Harris College Director of Sport Performance Crystal McCullough. "When you are a staff of one, success truly comes down to relationships. This award is a direct reflection of the trust our coaches, administration, and student athletes place in me every day to help them succeed."