New Hampstead High School seniors Ra'Shawn Truell and Gianna Brown were officially recognized as Savannah's top all-around athletes last week, and the celebration continued Wednesday morning as they received their trophies during graduation practice in front of their classmates.
Both student-athletes were honored not only for their standout performances in multiple sports but also for the lasting impact they've had on the Phoenix athletic program.
PHOTO: New Hampstead High School award winners Gianna Brown and Ra'Shawn Truell - Courtesy the Prep Sports Report
Truell Makes History
Truell received the Ashley Dearing Award, given to Savannah's male athlete, for excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. In December, he also received the Michael Finocchiaro Award as Chatham County's top football player for the second straight year.
PHOTO: 72nd Ashely Dearing Award winner Ra'Shawn Truell with Stephen Dearing - Ashley Dearing family presenter - Courtesy the Prep Sports Report
Ra'Shawn was named the Lawton M. Calhoun Award winner last week by the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing him as Chatham County's most outstanding all-around athlete. Truell is the first athlete to win all three in the same year.
"It means a lot to me. I always told my coaches and mom I would finish where I started," Truell said. "To be honored with these awards, especially all three, is a blessing. I hope it puts a spotlight on New Hampstead and all the talent we have here."
Truell had a tremendous senior year playing four sports at New Hampstead. In football, he led the state in passing yards and set a Georgia record with 635 yards in a single game. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns and was named Region Player of the Year. In basketball, he averaged over 20 points per game and scored over 1,000 career points. He also played baseball, batting .333, and competed on the boys' volleyball team. .
Brown Repeats
Brown received the Hollis Stacy Award for the second year in a row, another historical moment for the Phoienx. Last year, Gianna was the first female athlete from New Hampshire to win the award. Now she is the first back-to-back winner. The award is given to Savannah's most versatile female athlete. Brown starred in flag football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
PHOTO: 33rd Hollis Stacey Award winner Gianna Brown with award coordinator Leslie Moses - Courtesy the Prep Sports Report
"Winning it back-to-back means a lot," Brown said. "It shows all the work I've put in is being recognized. I love football the most — the energy on the field is just different."
And when asked about being coached by mom, Gianna had a big smile.
"My mom has been with me through every step," she added. "She's always been my number one supporter, with my dad. I wouldn't be here without them."
PHOTO: Ashley Dearing Award coordinator Karl DeMasi with award winners Gianna Brown and Ra'Shawn Truell - Courtesy the Prep Sports Report
Gianna was a four-sport athlete. She played flag football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. In flag football, she had 97 catches, 12 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions and was named State Defensive Player of the Year. In basketball, she averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds. She was also a top volleyball player with 172 kills and 156 aces. As a soccer goalkeeper, she made key saves and earned All-Region honors.
During Wednesday's graduation practice, the atmosphere turned into a celebration of school pride as the senior class cheered two of New Hampshire's most accomplished students, applauding their remarkable achievements from a historic year.
Photo Credits: Courtesy Prep Sports Report
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