Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Chemadi, Hayes C-USA Athletes of the Year
6/30/2021 12:01:00 PM | General, Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Women's Basketball, BRAA
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee standouts Kigen Chemadi and Anastasia Hayes have been selected as the Michael L. Slive Conference USA Athletes of the Year as announced by the league office Wednesday.
Chemadi was named co-Male Athlete of the Year along with Marshall soccer star Vitor Dias, while Hayes was the selection for top female athlete after her sterling season on the hardwood for the C-USA champion Lady Raiders.
Chemadi and Hayes are the first Blue Raider athletes to earn the honor since Ebony Rowe was named female athlete of the year in 2014 – Middle Tennessee's first year in C-USA.
Middle Tennessee is also just the second C-USA member school to have two athletes win the honors, joining TCU who swept the awards for the 2004-05 season.
"This announcement caps a tremendous year for our athletic department," said Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "We celebrated six team championships, an individual national champion and several individual champions during the indoor and outdoor track and field championships. For Kigen and Anastasia to receive the highest athletic honor bestowed upon them by the conference office is icing on the cake."
Chemadi capped his brilliant Middle Tennessee career by reaching the pinnacle of his sport with a national championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a school record time of 8:20.20. He also won the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, while finishing third in the 5,000-meter. He was also the C-USA Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
"Kigen had a tremendous career at Middle Tennessee and finished it off in style," Blue Raider Associate Head Track and Field Coach Keith Vroman said. "He has been exceptional in all facets of his career. To win a national championship, and then to be recognized as one of the top athletes in the C-USA is a fitting end to an exceptional career. We are very proud of Kigen."
Hayes turned in one of the best individual seasons in the country for a women's basketball player on her way to C-USA Player of the Year. She was also named the most outstanding player of the C-USA Championships after leading the Lady Raiders to the title.
Hayes was the nation's second-leading scorer with 26.5 points per game and was Top 10 nationally six total categories. She led C-USA in scoring and steals and was second for assists.
"Anastasia had one of those special seasons that you will always remember," Lady Raider Head Coach Rick Insell said. "She was one of the nation's premier players in 2020-21 and helped lead our team to a conference championship. Anastasia is very deserving of this recognition. She is in great company with Ebony Rowe as the only two Lady Raiders ever to win this award."
Middle Tennessee C-USA Athletes of the Year
2020-21 – Kegin Chamadi, track/cross country
2021-21 – Anastasia Hayes, women's basketball
2013-14 – Ebony Rowe, women's basketball
Chemadi was named co-Male Athlete of the Year along with Marshall soccer star Vitor Dias, while Hayes was the selection for top female athlete after her sterling season on the hardwood for the C-USA champion Lady Raiders.
Chemadi and Hayes are the first Blue Raider athletes to earn the honor since Ebony Rowe was named female athlete of the year in 2014 – Middle Tennessee's first year in C-USA.
Middle Tennessee is also just the second C-USA member school to have two athletes win the honors, joining TCU who swept the awards for the 2004-05 season.
"This announcement caps a tremendous year for our athletic department," said Middle Tennessee Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "We celebrated six team championships, an individual national champion and several individual champions during the indoor and outdoor track and field championships. For Kigen and Anastasia to receive the highest athletic honor bestowed upon them by the conference office is icing on the cake."
Chemadi capped his brilliant Middle Tennessee career by reaching the pinnacle of his sport with a national championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a school record time of 8:20.20. He also won the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the C-USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, while finishing third in the 5,000-meter. He was also the C-USA Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
"Kigen had a tremendous career at Middle Tennessee and finished it off in style," Blue Raider Associate Head Track and Field Coach Keith Vroman said. "He has been exceptional in all facets of his career. To win a national championship, and then to be recognized as one of the top athletes in the C-USA is a fitting end to an exceptional career. We are very proud of Kigen."
Hayes turned in one of the best individual seasons in the country for a women's basketball player on her way to C-USA Player of the Year. She was also named the most outstanding player of the C-USA Championships after leading the Lady Raiders to the title.
Hayes was the nation's second-leading scorer with 26.5 points per game and was Top 10 nationally six total categories. She led C-USA in scoring and steals and was second for assists.
"Anastasia had one of those special seasons that you will always remember," Lady Raider Head Coach Rick Insell said. "She was one of the nation's premier players in 2020-21 and helped lead our team to a conference championship. Anastasia is very deserving of this recognition. She is in great company with Ebony Rowe as the only two Lady Raiders ever to win this award."
Middle Tennessee C-USA Athletes of the Year
2020-21 – Kegin Chamadi, track/cross country
2021-21 – Anastasia Hayes, women's basketball
2013-14 – Ebony Rowe, women's basketball
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country and Track & Field
G
/ Women's BasketballMTSU Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs Kennesaw State 12/17/25
Thursday, December 18
MTSU Women's Basketball vs. Auburn Postgame Press Conference on 12/16/25
Wednesday, December 17
MT Women's Basketball | Together: Episode Three | It's gotta mean something to you
Tuesday, December 16
Blue Raider Notebook Presented by TOA - December 15th
Monday, December 15
