Ben Pearce ’21, a senior on the Emory University men’s basketball team, finished an incredible 2025-26 season, helping lead the Eagles to its first NCAA Division III National Championship appearance. Having earned Emory’s basketball program NCAA Division III Runner-Up status for the first time, Ben will graduate with one the best seasons in school history. He is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,080 points, and averaged 23.6 points per game, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds this season.

Ben also racked up numerous major awards, including the Trevor Hudgins Award, the 2026 Jostens Trophy, and the University Athletic Association Player of the Year among others.

• 2026 Trevor Hudgins Award, honoring the best overall career by a non-NCAA Division I college basketball player
• 2026 Jostens Trophy Award Winner, given to the top NCAA Division III men’s basketball player based on performance, academics, and community involvement. 
• University Athletic Association Player of the Year
• Emory Men’s Basketball Program All-Time leading scorer (2,080)
• D3hoops.com Player of the Year
• National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-America Second Team
• National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Region VI All-District First Team

Congratulations, Ben, on a tremendous season and career!

“Throughout his Middle and Upper School years at RCDS, Ben demonstrated outstanding athleticism, character, and tenacity. He always challenged himself to be the best player and teammate. We are so proud of the person and athlete he has become! Ben is so deserving of this amazing last season of accolades.”

– Associate Athletic Director Wendy Haft

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!

*Photo courtesy of Emory University athletics