CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, six The Citadel cadet-athletes from five different athletics programs have been selected to serve as part of the new leadership for the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, including one company commander along with five company first sergeants.

To earn their positions for next year, these cadet leaders went through a series of rank board engagements, performance reviews and interviews.

The Citadel continues the tradition of developing principled leaders and citizen-soldiers through a 24/7 military structure on campus, positioning cadets to run the Corps by earning increasing rank throughout their time at The Citadel. Rank holders gain real leadership experience in these roles by making decisions that contribute to the academic, physical fitness, military training and overall success of the Corps.

The new cadet leadership was announced by The Citadel Commandant of Cadets Col. Thomas Gordon, USMC (Ret.), '91, during a gathering in Jenkins Hall on March 5.

"If the Corps is going to lead the Corps you're going to have to take charge. You're going to have to hold your peers accountable. You're going to have to uphold the standard," Gordon said. "Be worthy of the position you've been assigned. I will not tell you what to do, but you can't do nothing."


The Citadel Athletics | South Carolina Corps of Cadets Leadership

VOLLEYBALL
Mia Watson | Delta Company Commander
Jess Martin | Echo Company First Sergeant

"When we recruit people we talk about being your own best," volleyball head coach Dave Zelenock said. "On the court, in the classroom and in the corps we want people to be their own best and not compare themselves to others. Both Mia and Jess are great examples of players who strive to BYOB and know how to march to their own beat and also fall in line. These ranks are great for them individually in their personal journeys."


SOCCER
Charlotte Seay | Charlie Company First Sergeant

"Charlotte has high standards and values and that is seen in every aspect of her day-to-day life," soccer head coach Ciaran Traquair said. "She has grown as a leader since arriving at The Citadel and I expect that growth will continue to accelerate as she embarks on her final two years here. We want to continue to push her as an athlete and make sure she is as well rounded as possible to enter the next phase of her life beyond college. This recognition and opportunity will play a large part of reaching those next heights."


WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD
Morgan Mankoski | Golf Company First Sergeant

"Morgan is an effective leader who works well with others, manages her time with discipline, and consistently finds ways to elevate those around her," track & field head coach Kris Kut said. "A tremendous asset to the program, she embodies the character, work ethic, and leadership traits we strive to instill in our cadet-athletes. She consistently comes through in the clutch, finding a way to deliver her best performance when it matters most."


WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD / CROSS COUNTRY
Abigail Thiessen | Lima Company First Sergeant

"Abigail works tirelessly to excel in every area of her life," Kut said. "She stands out in the classroom, in the Corps, and on the track, demonstrating exceptional dedication and discipline. Through her example and encouragement, she motivates those around her to become the best version of themselves and has developed into an outstanding leader."


MEN'S TRACK & FIELD
Connor Hill | November Company First Sergeant

"Connor is a quiet leader who consistently accomplishes everything asked of him," Kut said. "He finds effective ways to manage multiple demanding responsibilities, balancing academics, athletics and the Corps alongside his military obligations. He is one of the hardest workers I know and leads by example through his discipline, reliability, and commitment to excellence."