Grizzlies Shine at Greater Wichita Sports Banquet

WICHITA, Kan. – Butler Athletic Director Mike Helmer and Grizzly basketball standouts Tristan Hankins and Mya Mayberry were recognized Thursday night at the annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet held at INTRUST Bank Arena.

After 18 years leading the Butler women's basketball program, Helmer completed his final season in 2025–26 while also serving as the Grizzlies' Athletic Director. He guided Butler to the best season in program history this past year, finishing 32–2 overall and 23–1 in conference play. The Grizzlies earned their first-ever No. 1 overall seed in the NJCAA Women's Basketball National Tournament.

Helmer retires as the program's all-time wins leader with a 414–157 career record and was named KJCCC Coach of the Year for the fifth time. On Thursday, he was honored with the Special Excellence in Sports Award for his remarkable career and lasting impact on Butler athletics.

Grizzly men's basketball freshman Tristan Hankins was named the Junior College Male Athlete of the Year. The Idabel, Oklahoma native led Butler with 18.5 points per game on 47.1% shooting, along with 5.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. Hankins earned KJCCC Co-Player of the Year, KJCCC Freshman of the Year, and First Team NJCAA All-American honors. He helped lead Butler to the Elite Eight of the NJCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, the program's first quarterfinal appearance since 1996, and was selected to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team. Hankins will forgo his sophomore season and continue his career at the University of Texas Arlington.

Butler women's basketball standout Mya Mayberry was named a finalist for the Junior College Female Athlete of the Year award. The Wichita native and Wichita Heights alum played a pivotal role in Butler's historic season, averaging 10.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game. Mayberry earned NJCAA Second Team All-American honors, becoming the ninth All-American coached by Mike Helmer. She will continue her academic and athletic career at the University of North Florida.