Elijah Palmer Named 2026 NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Cleveland, OH – Former Surry baseball standout Elijah Palmer has been named the 2026 National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to student-athletes at the junior college level. The award recognizes excellence in athletics, academics, and community service, and his achievements place him among the nation's elite two-year college student-athletes. Palmer is the first ever recipient from an NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Region 10 (NC/SC/VA) college.
"This award represents the very best of two-year college athletics, and Elijah Palmer exemplifies what it means to succeed both in competition and beyond," stated NATYCAA 3rd Vice President Dominic DiMaggio, Director of Athletics at Mohawk Valley Community College. "He distinguished himself through exceptional athletic achievement, academic excellence, leadership, and service within his community. His dedication, character, and impact on those around him makes him truly deserving of this recognition and an outstanding representative of two-year college athletics."
During his time at Surry, Palmer exemplified what it means to be a complete student-athlete. A team captain for the Knights, he earned national recognition for his performance on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.
Academically, Palmer completed his Associate in Arts degree with an impressive 3.67 GPA. His success in the classroom earned him multiple NJCAA All-Academic individual and team honors, repeated placements on the President's List, being named to the Region 10 All-Academic team, and recognition as a Surry Community College Honor Graduate. His achievements combined to secure both an academic and athletic scholarship at NCAA Division I St. Bonaventure University, continuing both his education and baseball career at the next level.
Palmer's impact on the field was equally remarkable. He was named a 2025 NJCAA Division III All-American (Second Team) and earned the prestigious ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence. He also captured NJCAA Region 10 Division III Player of the Year honors, leading Surry to a highly successful season that included Region 10 and Mid-Atlantic District championships, along with a fifth-place finish at the NJCAA World Series. His leadership and performance helped elevate the Surry baseball program to national prominence, solidifying his legacy as one of the program's most accomplished players.
While Palmer's on-field and academic accolades are impressive, his impact beyond athletics truly sets him apart. He was deeply involved in a wide range of community service initiatives, dedicating his time to youth sports, educational outreach, and service-based organizations. His volunteer efforts included participation in the Surry County Sheriff's "Give a Kid a Christmas" campaign, Special Olympics, Read Across America Day, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes among many others.
This commitment to service demonstrated the leadership, character, and citizenship that define the NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Palmer was selected from a competitive field of national finalists representing multiple districts across the country, ultimately earning the distinction as the top male scholar-athlete in two-year college athletics.
Surry Athletic Director, Mark Tucker praised Palmer's achievement and the example he set for others." Elijah represents everything you hope for in a student-athlete. His commitment to excellence in the classroom, his leadership on the field, and his genuine investment in serving others make him incredibly deserving of this national honor. We are extremely proud of the legacy he leaves at Surry."
Palmer reflected on the honor with gratitude, crediting those who supported his journey." This award means a lot to me because it represents more than just baseball. I'm thankful for my coaches, teammates, family, and the entire Surry faculty and staff that pushed me to be my best every day. Surry gave me an opportunity to grow in every area of my life, and I'm proud to represent the college at the national level."
Palmer's recognition as NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year stands as a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and character. His accomplishments reflect not only personal success but also the values and mission of Surry Community College athletics. He will be formally recognized at the NACDA Convention in Las Vegas on June 7-8, where college athletic leaders from across the nation will gather to celebrate the year's top achievements.
For more information visit: https://nacda.com/news/2026/5/7/national-alliance-of-two-year-college-athletic-administrators-natycaa-announces-2026-scholar-athletes-of-the-year.aspx
About NATYCAA: Now in its 38th year, NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com