Brennan and Hubbard Honored with Natalie Steele and Gates-Howard Awards
UPLAND, Ind. – Abbey Brennan and Jason Hubbard were named the winners of Taylor's annual Natalie Steele and Gates-Howard Awards, which recognize TU's top senior female and male student-athletes for excellence in competition, academics, character and leadership. Student-athletes are nominated for the prestigious honor and voted on by the Taylor head coaches.
Brennan was named the Natalie Steele Award recipient after graduating from Taylor with a 3.83 cumulative grade-point average in political science, philosophy and economic systems. For her tremendous work in the classroom, Brennan was a five-time USTFCCCA Scholar-Athlete and a three-time CSC Academic All-District award winner, while also collecting multiple NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Crossroads League nods.
Brennan did equally impressive work for the TU track and cross country teams, piling up 10 NAIA All-American honors, five individual CL championships and 12 All-Crossroads League performances over her career. Brennan set six new school records, won an individual NAIA National Championship in the 4x800-meter relay and highlighted her time in Upland as the top runner on Taylor's undefeated NAIA Women's Cross Country National Championship Team in 2022.
"Abbey had an outstanding running career in college," said TU head women's cross country coach Quinn White. "Her honors and accolades were a testament to how well she set herself and her teammates up for success. Abbey had a challenging journey, but she trusted God and gave her talent to Him. She is a great example of perseverance and represented Taylor with excellence."
Jason Hubbard was named the Gates-Howard Award recipient and graduated with a degree in sport management with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.51. During his record-setting career with the Trojans, Hubbard was a two-time CSC Academic All-American and claimed Academic All-Crossroads League and NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors during his final season in Upland.
In addition to his outstanding work in the classroom, Hubbard ended his career on the hardwood as TU's all-time leading scorer with 2,479 career points and set the program's single-season scoring mark with 709 points during the 2022-2023 season. Hubbard was a three-time First-Team All-Crossroads League selection, was named to the CL All-Defensive Team a total of four times and capped his career by being named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
"We are very proud of Jason's growth, impact and accomplishments during his senior campaign," said TU head men's basketball coach Josh Andrews. "He has been a remarkable example of hard work and resolve for our players and program, in addition to being a tremendous leader. Jason is truly a worthy recipient of the prestigious Gates-Howard Award."