LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (Jan. 19) – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced its inaugural class of L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award honorees for the 2025-26 season, recognizing individuals and groups across its member campuses who exemplify the promise of Unity, Equity, and Access for All through intercollegiate athletics.

The L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award is named in honor of Leslie Pinckney Hill, the first President of Cheyney State Teachers College. From 1913-50, he served as principal of the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and oversaw its establishment as Cheyney State Teachers College. A Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard-educated scholar and son of a former slave, Hill was a renowned educator, writer, poet, and community leader. 

In 1927, one year after the initial formation of the Pennsylvania State Normal School Athletic Association, Hill successfully advocated for the inclusion of Cheyney in the association's bylaws after it had been omitted from the original drafting. The Board of Principals immediately corrected the oversight, ensuring that all 14 state-owned institutions were then included in the association's founding governance.

California (PA) was represented in the inaugural class by Pete Ware from CCO Campus Ministry. He was recognized for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campus students, including organizing events centered around athletic events to foster connection, engagement and community across the California campus.