BATON ROUGE, LA -- Saturday brought another unforgettable moment to close out an already remarkable season for KJ White.
White was named the 2026 HBCU Baseball Player of the Year during the annual HBCU Sports Awards, one of the highest individual honors in Black college athletics. The recognition celebrated a season defined by elite performance, consistency and impact on the diamond.
The award was presented during the 2026 HBCU Sports Awards, a virtual event that shines a spotlight on the nation's top HBCU athletes, coaches and administrators. Hosted by HBCU Sports founding publisher and editor Kenn Rashad alongside Jarrett Hoffman and Chris Stevens, the ceremony recognized excellence across 46 award categories representing NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA institutions.
For White, the honor serves as the crowning achievement of a standout campaign that established him as one of the premier players in HBCU baseball. Throughout the season, he delivered at the plate, in the field and in the clubhouse, emerging as a difference-maker whose performances consistently helped elevate his team.
Being named HBCU Baseball Player of the Year places White among an elite group of players whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on Black college baseball. The award recognizes not only statistical excellence but also leadership, competitiveness and overall impact throughout the season.
"KJ earned this honor every single day," head coach Chris Crenshaw said. "People see the numbers, but they don't always see the hours he puts in when no one is watching. He's a tremendous competitor, an even better teammate and someone who represents our program the right way. I'm incredibly proud of him because this award is a reflection of the man he's become as much as the player he is."
The HBCU Sports Awards have become one of the signature celebrations of Black college athletics, honoring the achievements of student-athletes, coaches and administrators from across the country while showcasing the continued excellence and tradition of HBCU programs.
As another chapter is added to his decorated career, White's latest accolade stands as a testament to the work he put in throughout the season and the legacy he continues to build. On a night dedicated to celebrating the best in HBCU athletics, KJ White stood at the top of college baseball.
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