Hill College Celebrates Athletics Legacy at One Hill Banquet
Ashlee Ferguson
Monday, October 26, 2026 1:49 PM
Athletics
Hillsboro, TX
On October 17, 2026, Hill College celebrated its student-athletes, coaches, and Hall of Fame inductees during the annual One Hill. One Team. One Legacy. Athletic Banquet, bringing together athletes from across the college’s sports programs, including esports, while honoring two individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on Hill College Athletics.
The evening introduced this year’s class of Hill College student-athletes and recognized the dedication of those who have helped build the college’s athletics programs. The highlight of the evening was the induction of two distinguished individuals into the Hill College Athletics Hall of Fame.
“This year’s student-athletes represent the very best of Hill College, not only through their dedication to each sport but also through their academic accomplishments,” said Randy Graves, Dean of Students and Athletics at Hill College. “The One Hill event will celebrate and highlight the hard work, perseverance, and commitment it takes to succeed both on and off the field to graduate champions.”
Hill College recognized men's soccer sophomore Kevin Mejia as the recipient of the Ray Roberts Award, which honors a student-athlete who exemplifies the qualities associated with Roberts’ legacy.
Mejia has distinguished himself on the field with an outstanding season, recording 22 goals and seven assists while leading the nation in goal scoring for three consecutive weeks. He has been named NJCAA Region 5 Players of the Week twice this season and has led the men’s soccer team to the Region V Championship match, which will take place on October 29 at 1 p.m. at the new Hill College Soccer Stadium. His accomplishments reflect his skill, determination, and significant contributions to Hill College men's soccer.
The award connects the legacy of Hill College athletics leadership with the achievements of today's student-athletes, recognizing those who continue to represent the college with distinction.
The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and contributions have
made a lasting impact on Hill College Athletics and its tradition of excellence. This year’s inductees were Matt Austin, rodeo athlete from 2002-2005, and Leisha Johnson Cuffee, softball athlete from 2004-2006.
Matt Austin’s journey to becoming one of the most accomplished bull riders in the sport began at just 8 years old. Drawing from a legacy of great cowboys, Austin developed his skills early, becoming a champion bull rider in high school while also competing in saddle bronc riding and team roping. During his senior year, he earned the United Professional Rodeo Association championship in bull riding.
Austin joined the Hill College rodeo team in fall 2002 before stepping away from collegiate competition that school year. He continued his professional career, winning the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rookie of the Year Bull Riding title in 2003, before returning to Hill College to finish what he started.
During the 2003–04 season, Austin captured the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Southern Regional Championship in bull riding and competed at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), finishing fifth nationally. That same year, he qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo (NFR), marking another milestone in his professional career.
Austin returned for the 2004–05 collegiate season with a goal of winning a national championship—and delivered. He repeated as the NIRA Southern Regional Bull Riding Champion in 2005 before winning the national bull riding championship at the CNFR. He also helped lead Hill College to a fourth-place finish in the men's team standings at the 2005 CNFR.
Austin’s 2005 season was historic beyond the collegiate arena. He won the Extreme Bull Riding Championship and the Championship Bull Riding (CBR) World Championship, qualified for his second NFR, and captured the PRCA World Champion Bull Rider title. He also broke the PRCA's all-time season earnings record.
By winning both the collegiate national championship and the PRCA world championship in the same year, Austin achieved a rare distinction in rodeo. His accomplishments at Hill College and on the professional circuit established a remarkable legacy and earned him recognition among the college’s most distinguished student-athletes.
Leisha Johnson Cuffee made a lasting impact on the Hill College softball program through her talent, determination, and consistent performance on the field. During both of her seasons at Hill College, she earned First Team All-Conference honors as an outfielder, establishing herself as one of the conference’s top players.
In 2004, she was named Hill College’s Top Offensive Player and earned an opportunity to compete in the conference all-star game. She continued her success in 2005, earning First Team All-Region honors. Across her two seasons at Hill College, Johnson Cuffee hit .310, recording 24 doubles and nine home runs.
Her accomplishments at Hill College opened the door to continue her softball career at Abilene Christian University on scholarship. There, she continued to excel, earning First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division honors as a junior while starting in 48 games.
Johnson Cuffee’s achievements at Hill College and beyond reflect her commitment to excellence and the opportunities created through collegiate athletics. Her induction into the Hill College Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes her contributions to the softball program and the legacy she established as a student-athlete.
“The One Hill Athletic Banquet was an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, hard work, and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and honorees.” Lizza Ross, Hill College Vice President of Student Experience, said. “Their commitment to excellence reflects the pride and tradition of Hill College Athletics and our goal to be competitive, graduate champions, and always be a beacon of excellence.”
The inaugural banquet served as an opportunity to recognize both the accomplishments of current student-athletes and the lasting contributions of those who helped build Hill College’s athletics tradition. By bringing together athletes and coaches from across the college’s sports programs, including esports, the event celebrated the dedication, teamwork and competitive spirit that unite the Hill College athletics community.
The Hall of Fame inductions of Austin and Johnson Cuffee honored achievements that continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes, while Mejia’s recognition highlighted the excellence being demonstrated by Hill College athletes today.
Hill College congratulates its Hall of Fame inductees, Ray Roberts Award recipient, and all student-athletes who represent the college through their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to their teams.
For more information about Hill College Athletics, visit hillcollegeathletics.com.