Long Live The Tradition of Black College Athletics
Bubba Wallace
Edd Williams
Our next edition is ready. In this edition we are so happy to feature some amazing individuals, athletes, coaches, and more from around the United States. We are also excited about the continuous growth of Spunq Sports Magazine. Our national footprint is eager to highlight national black sports and athletics and everyone who is connected to them.
There is always a good time to talk about sports, and Spunq Sports is here for it all. Again, thank you for supporting Spunq Sports Magazine!
KARMESIA RICHARDSON
“NO DAYS OFF”
Greensboro, NC
By Terry L. Watson
Her goal was to establish a healthy way of living. What she acquired in the process was more than she ever imagined.
Karmesia Richardson’s journey to becoming a bodybuilder began ten years ago. After giving birth to her twins, she decided to put her dreams of bodybuilding on hold and instead, focus on the care of her growing family. Karmesia shares that, along with other life-changing events that were occurring, getting back into the sport of bodybuilding was difficult. After giving birth, she experienced severe postpartum
Photos Provided by TMFPhotography
depression, which took several months to manage. Even more, Karmesia was the heaviest she had ever been, weighing 195 pounds. The thought of competing seemed impossible, she explained. Today, at age 42, Karmesia is living her dream of being a professional bodybuilder.
“I decided to become a bodybuilder because I wanted to invest in myself. Oftentimes we pour ourselves into other people and we forget about what we want out of life. I woke up one morning and decided that I was going to compete, and this was my time to shine. I have friends who are/were bodybuilders, and I remember saying to myself, Karmesia, you can do that too. I decided to make a move in January 2025, and I haven’t looked back since,” she says. “This transformation has been life-changing. It’s shown me my strengths and weaknesses and has given me the opportunity to connect with other bodybuilders who support me along the way.”
Karmesia pictured above, before she began training
A native of Pittsboro, NC, Karmesia is the daughter of Johnny and Regina Richardson. In addition to her twins, Zoey and Ezra, Karmesia is the mother of Kendall and Jackson, and her fur baby, Sophie. Markeisa is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. There, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She also acquired a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Strayer University, and she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, Karmesia has enjoyed a career in law enforcement, which has spanned over 10 years, and presently works for the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer.
I decided to become a bodybuilder because I wanted to invest in myself. Oftentimes we pour ourselves into other people and we forget about what we want out of life.
Karmesia says her kids have inspired her the most throughout the process of training. She adds that they have been her inspiration and remind her daily that she is loved and appreciated for the sacrifices she has made for them. “My babies are the reason that I push so hard,” she says. “Being a single mother has been challenging. Yet, I am aware that I am beyond blessed to have an amazing support system. My mom and dad have always been there for me. During this time in my life, they have cared for my children while lifting me and encouraging me to go forth and pursue my dreams. I love seeing my body change daily. My physique has changed completely within the last year, and I feel good mentally as well as physically.”
Hard work does pay off, and for Karmesia, she recently enjoyed the fruits of her labor. On August 2nd, she competed in the NPC Upstate Classic in Spartanburg, SC. Not only did she compete, but Karmesia won. She was the Figure Overall Winner, 1st Place Figure True Novice, 1st Place Figure Novice, and 1st Place Figure Master’s 35+. With well over 100 competitors present, Karmesia proved to be the best. Winning those titles qualifies her to compete for her Pro Card also.
For others who may pursue a journey similar to that of Karmesia, or even for others who are interested in transforming their physique, Karmesia offers some clear and sound advice. She says, “Never doubt yourself! You are capable of more than what you think. Listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs and what it doesn’t. Love yourself, give yourself grace, and remember that your mental health is important.”
In the future, Karmesia has plans to compete and win a Pro Card. Her motto is, “Life is short, so live now”, and with her grit and determination, winning is well within her grasp. In closing, she says, “Going through this journey has inspired me to help others reach the same goals. I have ambitions to become a certified personal trainer and life coach.”
Karmesia pictured above with Jerry Garner IFBB Pro, her trainer. Below, she is pictured with her son, Kendall.
Jamron Reynolds
T.W. Andrews High School Head Coach
By Terry L. Watson
High Point, NC
Photos Provided by Coach Jamron Reynolds
Some great and exciting things are happening at T.W. Andrews High School in High Point, NC. Jamon “Mook” Reynolds has taken on the role of Head Coach of the Varsity football team and has set his sights on establishing a winning culture, an elite work ethic, and a competitive spirit. He is also focused and committed to creating a program that the community of High Point has been longing to support.
Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Coach Mook has always had a passion for competing and being an ultimate competitor. He graduated from NC A&T State University Middle College. He is also a former Virginia Tech Hokie. “I have been coaching for the past two years. I have been the defensive coordinator at Southeast Alamance, where we made NC history by achieving a winning season and qualifying for the playoffs in our inaugural year. In our 2nd year, we went undefeated and had the fourthranked defense in the state of North Carolina, allowing only 3.4 points per game and 2.2 points in conference play,” Coach Mook shares.
In addition to coaching, Coach Mook started a local business, Next In Line Training, which specializes in training youth, middle, high school, and collegiate athletes. His program was dedicated to developing athletes who were next in line to be the best in their respective cities, state, and ultimately the country.
When asked what he loves most about coaching, Coach Mook says, “I love the thrill of competing and the process that takes place to build a winner. The hardest part about being a winner is to lose; when you think of it that way, no amount of hard work is too hard. Overcoming those challenges and facing that adversity gives players within our program the opportunity to strengthen their minds first and foremost. As a result, their body is prepared to both execute and compete at the highest level.”
As a coach, Coach Mook has produced a top defense in the state within only his second year as Defensive Coordinator of a high school program. He has also had a winning season in each year. Additionally, he has played for two consecutive conference championships, losing in year one and winning in year two, and has not missed the playoffs as a coach. “I have been able to assist multiple kids and help them continue their athletic careers in college. These include some having no interest in their previous high school years.”
Coach Mook says he has been mostly inspired by his coach, Johnny Roscoe, and his college Defensive Coordinator at Virginia Tech, Bud Foster. He also shares that he wouldn’t change anything about the way things have happened in his career. He says, “I understand that I am in this position because of the way things have happened. Knowing this, I am extremely grateful for my life and career.”
With the new football season underway, Coach Mook is looking forward to building a winning program at T.W. Andrews High School and using the game of football to provide kids and the High Point community opportunities to grow and do more.
Future 2026 Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Louisville, KY
By KBSHOF
Photos Provided by KBSHOF SPORTS
The Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fame (KBSHOF) is excited to announce that the 2026 induction class is being considered. This prestigious event honors the achievements and contributions of Black athletes, coaches, and sports figures who have left an indelible mark on the world of sports and the community.
INDUCTEES
Junior Bridgeman
John Shelby
Allan Houston
Lou Johnson
Bernie Bickerstaff
Darrell Griffith
Derek Smith
Travis “Machine Gun”
Davey Whitney
George Johnson
Jim Kelly
Fletcher Carr
Ron King
Wallace Howard
Jimmy Ellis
Sonny Collins
Valerie Owens
Cobie Durant Selected as NFLPA’s 2025 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year
Los Angeles, CA
By The NFLPA
Photos Provided by The NFLPA
Cobie Durant has been named the 2025 recipient of the Black College Football Pro Player of the Year presented by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The Los Angeles Rams defender accepted the award at Saturday’s Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, becoming the eighth player to earn this annual honor presented to a top professional football player who attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
“I want to thank the NFLPA for selecting me for this award,” said Durant, who starred at South Carolina State. “It’s an honor to be recognized and honored among the Hall of Fame Inductees for the Black College Football Hall of Fame. One day I hope to share the stage with those who have paved the way for me to play in the National Football League.”
The three-year pro is coming off his best season since being selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Durant recorded a career-high 40 tackles and registered one interception, one sack and one forced fumble as a starter in the Los Angeles secondary. In the Rams’ playoff win against Minnesota, he became the third player in franchise history to record a sack and an interception in the same game. Durant, who earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021 while at South Carolina State, has quickly proved he belongs at the highest level, making him a rising star and proud representative of HBCU talent in the NFL.
For being recognized as this year’s Black College Pro Football Player of the Year, Durant received a custom jacket from NFLPA licensing partner Pro Standard. He was also honored alongside the 16th annual Black College Football Hall of Fame class, which featured Henry Dyer, Rashean Mathis, Jacquay Nunnally, Dominique RodgersCromartie, Jay “Sky” Walker and Coach Fred “Pop” Long.
Since the award’s 2018 inception, the NFLPA has recognized one active NFL player who serves as a positive influence in his community, has ties to his HBCU alma mater, exhibits good character and has performed at a high level during the most recent NFL season.
Past winners of the NFLPA Black College Football Pro Player of the Year*:
2024: Markquese Bell (Dallas Cowboys), 2023: Tytus Howard (Houston Texans), 2022: Grover Stewart (Indianapolis Colts), 2021: Terron Armstead (New Orleans Saints), 2020: Javon Hargrave (Pittsburgh Steelers), 2019: Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts) and Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears), 2018: Antoine Bethea (Arizona Cardinals)
MLB Hosts HBCU Swingman Classic to Spotlight Black Talent
Atlanta, GA
By MLB
Amid dwindling numbers of Black players, Major League Baseball partnered with HBCUs during All-Star weekend in Atlanta.
Kicked at Truist Park on July 11, 50 of the most promising student-athletes from Division I programs at HBCUs gathered at the home of the Atlanta Braves for the HBCU Swingman Classic.
HBCU players, selected by a committee that includes Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB, the Major League Baseball Players Association, and team scouts, will get the opportunity to rep their school pride and showcase their talent.
“This event is a great opportunity for HBCU players to play on a national stage under the lights at the All-Star Game, to get an opportunity to showcase their talent and prove that, given the opportunity, they’re just as good and deserve a chance,” MLB Senior Vice President of Baseball Development Del Matthews said during a luncheon celebrating the upcoming HBCU Swingman Classic.
In its third year, the Classic is part of MLB’s strategy to address what many consider to be a crisis: the low number of Black players in the MLB. According to the 2023 MLB Racial and Gender Report Card, only 6.2% of MLB players were Black or African American, the lowest percentage of Black or African American players recorded in the Racial and Gender report Card since 1991.
According to the Associated Press, MLB trails only the NHL for lowest percentage of Black player participation among the five major professional sports leagues in the U.S.
The Swingman Classic, as well as other initiatives like MLB’s DREAM Series and the Hank Aaron Invitational and girls baseball/softball events, have launched in recent years to boost engagement in the sport.
“We are really doubling down on what we’ve done,” Matthews told AP in 2024, “because we are producing kids that are going to college, that are getting internships within the sport. We see more kids playing at the Division I college baseball ranks, and we see more kids being drafted into the minor leagues. And so we’re just flooding that through the various programs that we’ve had.”
Bubba Wallace Makes Indy History With Brickyard 400 Victory
Indianapolis, IN
By AP Online
Photo Provided by Online Source
Bubba Wallace climbed out of the No. 23 Chevolet, pumped his fists, found his family and savored every precious moment of a historic Brickyard 400 victory. He deserved every minute of it.
The 31-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver for 23XI Racing overcame a tenuous 18-minute rain delay, two tantalizing overtimes, fears about running out of fuel late and the hard-charging Kyle Larson — the winner of the 2024 race — on back-to-back restarts Sunday to become the first Black driver to win a major race on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.5-mile oval. No Black driver has won the Indianapolis 500, and Formula 1 raced on the track’s road course.
The victory also alleviated the frustration Wallace felt Saturday when he spent most of the qualifying session on the provisional pole only to see Chase Briscoe claim the No. 1 starting spot with one of the last runs in the session.
On Sunday, he made sure there was no repeat, providing an added boost to the 23XI Racing team coowned by basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and last week’s race winner, Denny Hamlin, as it continues to battle NASCAR in court over its charter status.
Edd Williams
Millington Track & Field Assistant Coach
Memphis, TN
By Terry L. Watson
Millington Central High School in Memphis, TN, has enjoyed great success over the years. Led by Eddrick “Edd” Williams, he has guided the team to a 2025 Sectional Championship in Division AA, as well as producing state finalists and medalists.
Coach Williams is a retired police officer who served with the Memphis Police Department from 1998 to 2023. He graduated from Memphis Central High School in 1993 and earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Bethel University. He is married to Roquita Coleman Williams, and together they have a 13-year-old son, Kai, and a three-year-old grandson, Milo. Additionally, they help care for several other children in their extended family. In July 2025, Coach Williams and his family moved from Memphis, TN, to Danville, CA, for his wife’s new role at Lucid Motors. The move, he says, is also intended to provide a better environment for their daughters, Kai’s mental and emotional growth.
Photos Provided by Coach Edd Williams
Coach Williams has coached youth track and field since 2021 and was most recently an assistant coach at Millington Central High School. He has also helped with leading and developing athletes for the Youth Track & Field of Memphis. He says, “I coached multiple athletes to All-American honors at national meets like the USATF Junior Olympics and Adidas Track Nationals. I’ve also helped athletes achieve personal bests that secured them college scholarships and national rankings. My role has been a combination of sprints and hurdles coach, mentor, and motivator—focused on developing both the athletic performance and personal discipline of the athletes I work with.”
Coach Williams has been blessed to coach incredible talent at both the youth and high school levels. At Millington Central, standouts include state finalist sprinter Trey Wilks, who excelled in the 100m and 200m; 400m specialist Jordan Bass, known for his closing speed and endurance; and versatile hurdler and relay contributor Michael Foster, whose work ethic set the tone for the team. From his Youth Track & Field of Memphis program, Coach Williams has coached athletes such as Miles Nesmith, the U.S. #1 triple jumper for his age group in 2025 and a national champion; Kimbriel Winfield, national runner-up in the 100m hurdles; and multiple All-Americans including Kennedi Woods and the 17–18 Boys 4x100m relay team.
Coach Williams shares that he loves seeing athletes unlock their potential. “When all the hard work, long practices, and mental preparation pay off in that breakthrough performance, that makes it all worth it. Track and field teaches life lessons: discipline, resilience, accountability, and teamwork. Being able to mentor young people both on and off the track is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
Coach Williams shares that one the biggest challenges he has encountered was working with athletes who face personal or financial barriers to success. “Whether it’s a lack of access to proper equipment, travel costs for meets, or personal struggles at home, I’ve learned to manage these challenges through fundraising, community partnerships, and creating a culture of trust where athletes feel supported beyond just their sport.”
For others whose path in coaching may be similar to Coach Williams, he offers the following advice. “Stay focused on developing the whole athlete—character first, performance second. Build relationships, learn constantly, and don’t be afraid to adapt your coaching style to the needs of your team. Most importantly, lead with patience and purpose; the wins will follow.”
Now that he’s in California, Coach Williams plans to connect with local high school and club track programs in the Bay Area to continue coaching sprints and hurdles. He’s also exploring the idea of launching an online training and mentorship program to reach athletes nationwide. “My mission remains the same—help young people become their best selves both on the track and in life,” he says.
