CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In just the second year of the Coastal Bend Hall of Fame & Awards Show, presented by Corpus Christi Sports Commission, another pair of student-athletes from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will be recognized with
Kyndal Payne of the volleyball team and
Christian Smith-Johnson of the baseball team being honored at this year's event.
Payne holds the official claim of Coastal Bend Athlete of the Year while Smith-Johnson's grand-slam robbery that became a social media sensation made final three for Moment of the Year. It is the second year in a row that the Islanders produced a finalist for Athlete and Moment of the Year after the women's basketball team had Alecia Westbrook and Paige Allen win their respective categories in 2024.
The event recognizes standout athletes, teams and coaches—both amateur and professional—who have made an impact in the community. Finalists were evaluated for their exemplary skills, achievements, and contributions to their team and sport, showcasing a level of excellence that sets them apart as the top athletes in their respective nomination category.
Payne graduated from the Island this past fall after making arguably untouchable history on the Islanders Volleyball program as the first-ever two-time AVCA All-American and just second three-time AVCA All-Region honoree. She concluded her collegiate career in 2024 on the biggest stage as the Islanders took on No. 3 Texas in the NCAA First Round after she helped the Islanders punch their ticket back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since her freshman season (2021). Overall, Payne helped the program to three Southland Conference Championships and two trips to the NCAA Tournament, and was named the SLC Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. She finished her time with the Islanders ranked first in program history in career kills (1,658) and total attacks (4,209), second in kills per set (3.80) and solo blocks (96), sixth in digs (1,132) and eighth in total blocks (192). Payne is the only player in program history to record both over 1,500 kills and 1,000 digs. She extended her volleyball career into the professional realm after signing a contract with Pölkky Kuusamo, currently competing in the Finnish Women's Volleyball League.
Smith-Johnson generated a lot of buzz after what was pegged the "catch of the year" during the Islanders Baseball matchup at Texas A&M in College Station. It came from a leaping effort by the sophomore right-fielder who jumped over the outfield fence while maintaining control of the ball in his glove for the out, robbing the Aggies of a grand-slam and going viral for it instantly. The grand-slam robbery quickly became the talk of the sports world, as ESPN sent out a blast about the snag before it got named the No. 1 play on Sport Center's Top-10. It also got picked up on Good Morning America and The Today Show the next morning. His effort earned him a final-three spot in the Moment of the Year category.
The final winners will be named at the Costal Bend Hall of Fame & Awards Show on June 3 at the American Bank Center.
Click here for more information on the event.
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