Early in the season, one name kept coming up when Christ School lacrosse coaches talked about the player who had made the greatest strides in the past year.
To know RJ Fox ‘25 was to be inspired by how he strived for greatness in everything he did, and everything he was.
Head coach Patrick Haley announced at Thursday’s Athletic Awards Night that RJ was highly deserving of the most improved award, and moving forward the award will be named for him in memoriam.
Coach Haley presented the award to RJ’s mother, Sarah, who came forward to a standing ovation in Mebane Field House.
“RJ Fox was the epitome of the most improved award,” Coach Haley said.
“He is what we should all aspire to be – someone who wants the absolute most of the talents they have been given. He pushed himself to be the best teammate, student, and friend he could possibly be. We will look at him for years to come when we think about how to improve ourselves.”
This was the second year of the Athletic Awards Night, which recognizes athletes in all 10 of Christ School’s varsity sports.
Football MVP Cayden Jones ’24 was part of Thursday’s other special presentation. Cayden enrolled early this semester as a freshman at the University of Alabama, shortly after playing in January’s Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando. Cayden’s jersey from the game will he hung here as a historical reminder that he is the Greenies’ first-ever All-American in the sport.
The rest of Thursday night’s winners were:
BILL SEWELL HUSTLE AWARD
The Bill Sewell Hustle Award is presented to the athlete in any form who has shown the most hustle in all the sports in which he played.
This year’s winner is Cole Boyer ’24.
PAT JAMES ATHLETIC AWARD
The Pat James Athletic Award is presented to the underclassman with the most athletic achievement and commitment.
This year’s winner is Mikey Wilkins ’25.
JEFF MILES RESILIENCE AWARD
The Jeff Miles Resilience Award is presented to the varsity student athlete who values his teammates above himself and helps create positive relationships for the benefit of the entire team. This student athlete displays resilience, growth, and character and leads to fight through adversity when the outcome is in doubt.
This year’s winner is Ethan Rose ’24.
KNIGHTON SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
The Knighton Sportsmanship Award is presented to the athlete who has represented Christ School with integrity, character, and sportsmanship.
This year’s winner is Reeves Cates ’24.
SENIOR ATHLETIC CUP
The Senior Athletic Cup is presented to the senior athlete who has shown ability, leadership, and integrity. The recipient is determined by a vote of the coaching staff.
This year’s winner is Keenan Wilkins ’24.
CROSS COUNTRY
Most Improved Runner: William Hughes ’25.
Most Valuable Runner: Dawson Reeves ’24.
FOOTBALL
Outstanding Lineman: Sam Browder ’25.
Courage Award: Noah Fleming ’24.
Most Improved Player: T.J. Hamilton ’24.
Most Valuable Player: Cayden Jones ’24.
SOCCER
Most Improved Player: Alec Dzialo ’27.
Most Valuable Player: Truett Compton ’25.
BASKETBALL
Most Improved Player: Lleyton Thomas-Johnson ’24.
Most Valuable Player: Mikey Wilkins ’25.
SWIMMING
Most Improved Swimmer: Nolan Johnson ’27.
Most Valuable Swimmer: Jake Landis ’25.
BASEBALL
Most Improved Player: Corbin Spilliards ’27.
Most Valuable Player: Charlie Collins ’24.
GOLF
Most Improved Player: Collier Lilly ’25.
Most Valuable Player: Elijah Abundis ’24.
TENNIS
Most Improved Player: Norwood Bryan ’26.
Most Valuable Player: Ben Fedder ’24.
TRACK & FIELD
Most Improved Athlete: Dawson Thompson ’25.
Most Valuable Athlete: Dawson Reeves ’24.
LACROSSE
Most Improved Player: RJ Fox ’25.
Most Valuable Player: Lucas Little ’24.