Senior scholar-athlete Elijah Pinckney has been named the recipient of the 2025 T-Mobile Impact Award, presented at the HBCU Swingman Classic held in Atlanta, Georgia, during a nationally televised event. Pinckney becomes the first NCAA Division II player to win the prestigious honor, which recognizes one HBCU student-athlete each year for their outstanding contributions in athletics, academics, leadership, and community engagement.
This historic moment took place in front of a home-state crowd at Truist Park, where Pinckney represented Morehouse as a member of the Swingman Classic—the first non-Division I player ever selected to participate in the game. Receiving the T-Mobile Impact Award is a milestone that underscores both his extraordinary individual achievements and the growing national visibility of Morehouse College and its scholar-athletes.
Elijah Pinckney '26, a native of Morningside, Maryland, has anchored the Morehouse baseball infield as the starting shortstop since his freshman season. In 2025, he delivered a career-best year with a .407 batting average, .599 on-base percentage, and .618 slugging percentage. His discipline at the plate led to 51 walks, 26 stolen bases, and a .982 fielding percentage. He earned multiple honors including:
- 2024 SIAC First Team All-Conference Shortstop
- 2024 Morehouse College Athlete of the Year
- 2025 Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU All-Star
- 2025 Black College Nines Elites Second Team Infielder
In 2025, Pinckney also made history as the first non-Division I player ever selected to compete in the HBCU Swingman Classic.
"Elijah is the kind of athlete every coach dreams of having," said Morehouse Head Baseball Coach Antonio Grissom. "He's talented, disciplined, and leads with humility."
A double major in Business Administration and Journalism, Pinckney maintains a 3.88 GPA while holding leadership roles across campus, including:
- Vice President, Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society
- Sports Editor, The Maroon Tiger
- Chief Editor, Literatus Magazine (Thurman Honors Program)
- Executive Board Member, Morehouse Association of Black Journalists
- Bloomberg Journalism Program Scholar
"Elijah Pinckney is the embodiment of the Morehouse mission," said Director of Athletics Harold Ellis '92. "He reflects our standard of excellence not just on the field, but in the classroom, in leadership, and in service to others. Elijah's impact reaches well beyond our campus. He leads by example, challenges the status quo, and carries the banner for HBCU athletes everywhere."
Pinckney's service record includes organizing lung cancer awareness initiatives alongside former NFL linebacker Chris Draft, reporting from study abroad trips to Panama and Japan, and leading Morehouse's first-ever scholar-athlete delegation to the Black Student-Athlete Summit. Pinckney has also spoken on student-athlete mental health and civic engagement platforms. He has interned with the D.C. Board of Elections and is currently working as a Marketing Intern with American Express in New York City.
During the MLB Network live interview, Pinckney remarked,
"This award is not just mine—it's for every Division II and HBCU student-athlete striving to lead, to serve, and to rise. Morehouse has equipped me to impact the world, and I am honored to represent the House on this stage. This is bigger than me. I'm grateful to Morehouse for preparing me for this moment.
With this national honor, Pinckney not only adds another accolade to his remarkable résumé, but also reaffirms the values and vision of Morehouse College. His recognition signals a broader impact—where excellence, character, and service are not exceptions, but expectations.
As Pinckney returns for his senior year in 2025-26, his leadership will continue to inspire the next generation of Morehouse Men, and his story will serve as a beacon for what is possible through commitment, purpose, and pride in one's institution.
By receiving the T-Mobile Impact Award at one of Major League Baseball's premier HBCU events, Pinckney elevates the national profile of Morehouse College and sets a powerful example for future generations of Maroon Tigers. His recognition is not only a testament to his individual achievement, but also a reflection of the values, legacy, and excellence cultivated at Morehouse. Morehouse College salutes Elijah Pinckney for his continued leadership, and for showing the world what it means to be a true Man of Morehouse.
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Student Success