ATLANTA (September 16, 2026) – The Atlanta Tipoff Club has named Beverly Roberts as the 2026 Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year and has posthumously named Terry Wymer as the 2026 Naismith Men’s College Official of the Year for their exceptional service to collegiate basketball. Wymer will be honored at the men’s 2026 NCAA Basketball Regional Officiating clinic in Indianapolis on Sept. 20, and Roberts at the women’s clinic there on Oct. 4.
Established in 1988, the Naismith College Official of the Year Award honors individuals who embody character, integrity, and dignity and who significantly influence the development and success of college basketball. Eligible recipients must have at least 20 years of officiating experience, have worked in NCAA and conference tournaments, and be retired from on-court officiating.
Roberts got her start in women’s basketball officiating in the Southern Conference. Her drive to remain a student of the game and her effective communication with coaches and officiating partners made her a respected asset to women’s basketball officiating. Although she has retired from the floor, Roberts now develops new officials through officiating camps and game-film breakdowns.
“I am honored to be receiving this award and would like to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout my 36-year officiating journey,” said Roberts. “This achievement is not just mine alone; I share it with my family, friends and colleagues who inspired me along the way. I would also like to thank the Atlanta Tip Off Club for their continued dedication to honoring women’s basketball officials.”
She officiated for more than 30 years at every level of college basketball, including Division I, Division II, Division III and AAU. Roberts worked the Big Ten, Big 12, Conference USA, Horizon, Mid-American, Missouri Valley, SEC, Southern and Sun Belt Conferences, and she officiated championship games in each of those leagues. She also worked three Final Fours in 2008, 2016 and 2019.
Wymer officiated Division I men’s college basketball and worked in the American, Big Ten, Big 12, Conference USA, Horizon, Mid-American (MAC), Missouri Valley, SEC and Summit Conferences. He retired from on-court officiating at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. Then he served as supervisor of officials for the Big Ten Conference, where he recruited, developed, evaluated, and assigned officials.
“Terry gave his whole heart to this game and to the people in it,” said Teresa Wymer, Terry’s wife. “He always said the best part of officiating wasn’t the games, but the people he got to work with. This honor means the world to our family, and we’re grateful to the Atlanta Tipoff Club for keeping his legacy alive.”
His NCAA Tournament experience includes 20 tournaments and 14 regional assignments. Wymer officiated five Final Fours (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019) and three national championship games (2016, 2018 and 2019).
He passed away in October 2025 at the age of 66.
“Beverly and Terry dedicated their lives to the sport, both as outstanding officials and as mentors who elevated those beside them,” said Eric Oberman, President of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “Their enduring influence will continue to shape college basketball for years to come, and we are proud to honor them as part of the Naismith Awards tradition.”