Clinton High athletes continue to shine on college stage

By Charlie Rook

The Clinton Public School District has, through the years, had a number of high school athletes sign to continue their athletic journey in college, and many have even joined athletic teams at schools in the Division I Southeastern Conference (SEC), which is widely recognized as a very competitive athletic conference.

Among those currently are recent Clinton High School graduates Aniya Madkin, a red shirt sophomore volleyball player at the University of Florida; as well as Omari Hampton and Howard Trey Banks III, both true freshmen track athletes at Mississippi State University.

Madkin, who graduated from CHS in 2023, began her college career at the University of Arkansas, where she did not play her freshman year, and then started in all but three games in the following season. She was the team leader in sets and kills for Arkansas, as well as being fourth on the team in blocks.

Her success began in high school, however, when she was named the MaxPreps volleyball player of the year in 2021, as well as a 6A state champion in 2019. Volleyball wasn’t the only sport Madkin found success in – during her time in high school she was a four-time state champion in track and field, as well as a state runner up in basketball.

Now in her junior year and year two of her eligibility, Madkin has transferred to the University of Florida, where she began her campaign with a loss by a score of three sets to one against #6 Stanford on August 22, followed by a three-sets-to-two victory over #3 Pitt on August 24. At press time, the team has since pulled out some wins again Norfolk State, 3-0, on August 31, as well as the University of South Florida, 3-1, on September 2. The regular season will carry until the beginning of the SEC tournament on November 21.

Omari Hampton and Howard Banks III, both 2025 grads, are no strangers to success in high school, either.

Banks ended his career at Clinton High School with a state championship in the 400m and 4x200m relay, as well as a fourth-place finish in the 200m.

Hampton was a podium finisher to end his high school career, as well. Placing second in the 100m and third in the 200m, he secured two medals. These teammates will make their debut for Mississippi State University later this year during the indoor track season.