Carson-Newman's Browder and Catawba's Ehmer Earn South Atlantic Conference President's Award
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Carson-Newman's Jack Browder and Catawba's Bree Ehmer have been selected as the recipients of the 2025-26 South Atlantic Conference President's Award, the Conference announced today. Browder becomes the first student-athlete in South Atlantic Conference history to earn the President's Award three consecutive times.
The highest individual honor presented annually by the South Atlantic Conference, the President's Award is voted on by the league's Faculty Athletics Representatives. To be eligible, student-athletes must exemplify excellence in athletics, academics and community service. Additionally, nominees must have been selected as a South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year during the academic year in one of the league's sponsored sports.
Browder, a senior men's basketball student-athlete from Carson-Newman, made conference history by becoming the first student-athlete to capture the South Atlantic Conference President's Award three consecutive times. A model of excellence in the classroom, in competition and in service, Browder owns a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average while majoring in Business Administration. He is a CSC Academic All-American and CSC Academic All-American of the Year, while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors throughout his career. Browder was named the D2CCA Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the Southeast Region, earned the SAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year award and captured the SAC Elite 23 Award. He has also been recognized as a Platinum Eagle Scholar, Presidential Scholar and Hope Scholar during his time at Carson-Newman.
On the court, Browder concluded one of the most decorated careers in Carson-Newman and South Atlantic Conference history. He finished his career with 2,098 points, ranking among the all-time leading scorers in SAC history, while becoming the only player in NCAA Division II to lead his conference in both scoring and rebounding during the season. Browder was named the 2025-26 SAC Player of the Year and earned D2CCA and NABC All-Region honors. A seven-time SAC Player of the Week and national player of the week recipient, he also finished his career among the conference leaders in double-doubles and free throws made while establishing himself as one of the most accomplished players in program history.
Away from basketball, Browder has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service and leadership. He has volunteered with First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Carson-Newman's annual Operation INASMUCH initiative. Browder has served as a mentor for elementary school students, volunteered with youth basketball programs throughout the Kingsport area and participated in numerous community outreach efforts, including helping deliver Hurricane Helene relief supplies to communities across East Tennessee. He also served on the leadership council for the Carson-Newman men's basketball program.
Ehmer, a junior women's soccer student-athlete from Catawba, owns a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average while majoring in Sports Medicine. A member of the Presidential Honor Roll, Dean's List and SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll, she was also recognized as a CSC Academic All-District selection. Beyond the classroom, Ehmer has established herself as a campus leader, serving on Catawba's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and as Vice President of the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group. She has also dedicated her time to the community as a recreational youth soccer coach.
On the field, Ehmer has emerged as one of the premier women's soccer players in NCAA Division II. After earning SAC Freshman of the Year honors and collecting multiple All-SAC and All-Region accolades during her first two seasons, she elevated her game to another level in 2025. Ehmer was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Year after leading Catawba to both the SAC Regular Season and Tournament championships. She totaled 17 goals and six assists for a conference-leading 40 points, ranking among the nation's leaders in scoring while helping the Indians secure the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Southeast Regional for the first time in program history.
Throughout her collegiate career, Ehmer has embodied the ideals of the South Atlantic Conference President's Award through her commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and service. Her leadership on campus, impact in the community and outstanding accomplishments on the soccer field made her a deserving recipient of the conference's highest individual honor.
The South Atlantic Conference President's Award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who best exemplify excellence in athletics, academics and community service. It remains the highest individual honor awarded by the conference.