November 12, 2025
Oklahoma City, OK — A breakthrough season for Nelson University men's soccer was capped with major recognition on Tuesday, as two Lions earned spots on the 2025 Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Men's Soccer Awards. After clinching the program's first SAC Tournament berth and No. 5 seed since 2015, Nelson's rise was validated by standout individual performances from forward Joel Palmer and defender Javaughn Hines.
A dynamic attacking threat all season, Joel Palmer delivered one of the most productive campaigns by a Lion in recent years. The Jamaican-born junior finished with 5 goals and 3 assists, totaling 13 points across 17 games.
Palmer became the sparkplug of Nelson's front line capable of slicing through backlines with pace, power, and a striker's instinct. He posted a season-high four-shot performance against Wayland Baptist on October 25 and tallied a two-goal explosion vs. Our Lady of the Lake on September 13, a match that fully announced his arrival as one of the SAC's most dangerous scorers.
When the Lions needed a lift, Palmer was often the one answering the call. Whether stretching the field, creating pressure, or finishing in traffic, his attacking presence fueled Nelson's postseason push.
A senior leader who anchored the back line with consistency and command, Javaughn Hines played every minute of all 18 matches this season and logged an impressive 1,534 minutes, the most on the team .
Known for his poise, physicality, and relentless defensive motor, Hines helped guide a Lions unit that recorded multiple clean sheets and held opponents to just 20 goals across the entire season. He also added a key assist during Nelson's 3–0 win over Wayland Baptist on October 25 and provided veteran stability in every high-pressure conference matchup.
Hines' ability to read the game, communicate on the back line, and shut down opposing threats made him one of the conference's most respected defenders, earning him a well-deserved place among the SAC's elite.
With these honors, the Lions not only celebrate two standout performers but also signal that Nelson men's soccer is a program on the rise.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
