Virginia Union University Head Track & Field Coach Franck Charles has been named the 2026 HBCU Track & Field Coach of the Year at the 3rd Annual HBCU Sports Awards, recognizing one of the nation's premier track & field programs following a historic 2025-26 season. The awards were announced during a livestream ceremony on Saturday, July 25.

Charles earned the national honor after leading the Panthers to an unforgettable campaign highlighted by conference championships, record-breaking performances, and national recognition. Under his leadership, Virginia Union captured both the CIAA Indoor Track & Field Championship and the CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.

The HBCU Sports Awards recognize the top student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across Historically Black Colleges and Universities, celebrating excellence throughout the HBCU athletics landscape.

"I am truly honored and grateful to be recognized at the 3rd Annual HBCU Sports Awards and to receive the HBCU Coach of the Year award," said Charles. "This recognition is especially meaningful considering the outstanding coaches and track & field programs across the HBCU community.
"I want to sincerely thank our coaching staff and our student-athletes. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment made this achievement possible. This award is a reflection of the collective effort, sacrifice, and belief of everyone involved in our program.
"Most importantly, I give all glory and thanks to God for blessing us with an incredible 2025–2026 season. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead such an amazing group of young men and women and for the honor of being named HBCU Coach of the Year.
"While we celebrate this accomplishment, we know our journey is far from over. As we look ahead, we are excited for another opportunity to make history together.
"The best is yet to come!"

Charles' Panthers produced numerous individual champions and NCAA Division II national qualifiers throughout the season while continuing Virginia Union's rise as one of the elite track & field programs among HBCUs and in NCAA Division II competition.

The HBCU Track & Field Coach of the Year award adds another prestigious accolade to Charles' remarkable 2025-26 campaign, during which he was also recognized as the CIAA Men's Track & Field Coach of the Year and the CIAA Men's Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year, reflecting the Panthers' dominance throughout the conference season.

With the honor, Charles joins an elite group of coaches recognized for elevating HBCU athletics on the national stage while continuing to build a championship culture at Virginia Union University.