MONTREAT, N.C.— The 10^th annual Cavalier Court of Excellence Banquet took place inside Graham Chapel on the campus of Montreat College Thursday evening. Not only were 14 current student-athletes honored throughout the night, but also one former student-athlete garnered special recognition during the event's programming.
 
Jennifer (Brooks) Kinninger became the first Montreat College women's basketball player to have her jersey number retired. A 2003 Montreat College graduate and 2009 Montreat College Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Brooks' No. 44 is officially enshrined, joining a trio of men's basketball players who have also had their jersey numbers retired by Montreat.
 
"What a well-deserved honor for Jennifer and our women's basketball program," said Garrett Jones, Director of Athletics at Montreat College. "Jennifer had an incredible career, but more importantly, she represented Montreat College with outstanding character, all while keeping Jesus at the forefront. Congratulations to Jennifer, her family, coaching staff and teammates on this outstanding honor."
 
Playing from 1999-2003, Brooks is the Montreat women's basketball program's all-time leading scorer with 2,046 points. Along with her numerous individual accolades, Brooks helped the Cavs claim at least a share of three conference titles, the only league championships in program history. Additionally, Brooks aided the program along to its only two national tournament berths.
 
To recognize the achievement, Brooks' No. 44 will hang in the rafters inside McAlister Gymnasium. A commemorative banner will be unveiled at a yet-to-be-determined home basketball contest during the 2026-27 academic year.
 
Montreat also honored 14 current student-athletes as part of its Cavalier Court of Excellence Banquet. Of those nominees, a committee selected Emma Barnes of women's track & field to receive the 2026 Cavalier of Excellence Award, the highest accolade a student-athlete can receive from Montreat College Athletics.
 
"It was another incredible Cavalier Court of Excellence class we had the privilege to recognize," Jones shared. "I'm grateful to our coaches and those student-athletes for how they represent their programs and Montreat College. It is really special to be a part of a group of individuals that pursue and are committed to excellence at that level. Also, congratulations to Emma and our track & field program on this wonderful accomplishment. It is well deserved."
 
The Cavalier Court of Excellence was created during the 2015-16 academic year to recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and in competition, as well as those who exhibit high levels of responsibility, respect, integrity, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The honored student-athletes must be a junior or senior and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 to be eligible. Each Montreat College athletic program can nominate one student-athlete who meets the above criteria.
 
For a full list of honorees, click here.