SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Mercer’s Will Bagrou and Samford’s Karisa Nelson were named the Southern Conference’s athletes of the year.

The league announced its awards Tuesday as part of its end-of-year meetings on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Bagrou played on the soccer team and led the Bears with eight goals, including two game winners, this season. He helped Mercer win the conference tournament and reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 15 years.

Nelson became Samford’s first Division I national champion with her victory in the indoor mile. She also won the event at the SoCon track championship. Nelson finished first in the women’s 1,500-meter run at the league’s outdoor championship meet.