GREENVILLE, S.C. | Young Harris College Sports Medicine has been named the 2025-2026 Conference Carolinas Sports Medicine Staff of the Year, recognizing the department's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare and support for Mountain Lion student-athletes throughout the academic year.

The Conference Carolinas Sports Medicine Staff of the Year award is voted on by the conference's member sports medicine departments and honors the athletic training staff that has demonstrated excellence in the care, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of student-athletes.

This recognition is a tremendous reflection of the commitment, professionalism, and care our athletic training staff brings to our student-athletes every single day," said Young Harris College Vice President for Athletics and Student Engagement Emily Carella. "Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact they make on the health, safety, and success of our teams is immeasurable. We are incredibly proud to see them recognized by Conference Carolinas with this well-deserved honor, and grateful for the way they represent the values and excellence of the Mountain Lion community."

The Young Harris sports medicine staff included Associate Athletic Trainer Madison Whitehead and Assistant Athletic Trainers Hayley Bennett and Zoe Hollowell. Together, the trio provided comprehensive medical coverage for the Mountain Lions' 17 varsity athletic programs throughout a successful 2025-26 campaign that included multiple Conference Carolinas championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Whether on the sidelines during competition, in the athletic training room throughout rehabilitation, or working behind the scenes on injury prevention and athlete wellness, the sports medicine staff played a vital role in the success of Young Harris athletics. Their dedication to the health and well-being of every student-athlete has helped create an environment that allows all Mountain Lions to perform at their highest level.

"We are incredibly grateful to receive this award as a staff," said Associate Athletic Trainer Madison Whitehead. "This year has been both challenging and rewarding and we can't thank our athletic department and community for the support they have shown us. We are honored to have immense trust from our athletes to help them achieve all their accomplishments from this past season."