2026 Gary Sims Athletes of the Year

Crowder College Athletics is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Gary Sims Athlete of the Year Award: Aubriana Wilson (Women’s Basketball) and Silas Laytham (Men’s Soccer). Both student-athletes have demonstrated excellence in competition, the classroom, and leadership within their programs.

Aubriana Wilson – Women’s Basketball

Aubriana Wilson concludes her outstanding career at Crowder as one of the program’s most accomplished and respected student-athletes. A two-time All-Region 16 First Team selection and two-time Academic All-American, Wilson has consistently performed at an elite level both on the court and in the classroom. She will continue her academic and athletic career at East Central University.

Head Coach Tina Wilson praised Aubriana’s impact:

“Aubri is so deserving of this award. She is a two-time All-Region 16 First Team selection as well as a two-time Academic All-American. Aubri has been an outstanding player for us for two years, but she is an even better person! She has been a joy to coach and will be a success in whatever she does because of her leadership, work ethic, and character.”

Wilson’s legacy extends beyond her statistics, as she has served as a leader and role model, embodying the values of Crowder Athletics.

Silas Laytham – Men’s Soccer

Silas Laytham has left a lasting mark on the Crowder Men’s Soccer program through his exceptional play and leadership. In his sophomore season, Laytham earned First Team All-Region honors, was named the Region 16 Player of the Year, and received Third Team All-American recognition—becoming just the second player in program history to achieve that national honor. He will continue his career at NCAA Division I UMKC (University of Missouri–Kansas City).

Head Coach Hunter Gilliam highlighted Laytham’s contributions:

“We are really proud of Silas for winning the Gary Sims Award. This is a major honor at Crowder, and he is a very deserving winner. Silas is the type of player that day one every coach hopes for. He shows up every day ready to work, competes at a high level, and is constantly looking to improve. His leadership and play played a key role in the team's overall performance, and he routinely stepped up in critical moments throughout the season. His play and commitment helped establish a standard within this program that will carry on for years to come.”

Laytham’s dedication and drive helped elevate the program and set a benchmark for future Roughrider athletes.

Crowder College congratulates Aubriana Wilson and Silas Laytham on this prestigious honor and thanks them for their tremendous contributions to Roughrider Athletics. Both student-athletes exemplify what it means to represent Crowder with excellence, integrity, and pride.