Parker Byrd was selected as the 2026 recipient of the American Conference Community Impact Award presented by Jostens.
Check out Pirate Radio
Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
=====
Photo credit: (ECU Sports Information)
By ECU Sports Information
IRVING, Texas – Parker Byrd, a senior infielder from the East Carolina University baseball program, was selected as the 2026 recipient of the American Conference Community Impact Award presented by Jostens, as chosen by members of the conference’s Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee. He is the second Pirate and second baseball student-athlete to earn the prestigious award following Carter Cunningham’s selection in 2024.
The award recognizes a student-athlete who has made an impact in either the surrounding or campus community through service work. One student-athlete or group from each American member is eligible for nomination each academic year. The award includes a $2,000 donation from the American and Jostens in Byrd’s name that will be made to the life skills program at East Carolina.
Byrd, a native of Laurinburg, North Carolina, has been a member of the ECU baseball team for the past four years and has made a significant impact in the local Greenville community with his philanthropic efforts. Byrd launched the Limbitless Foundation to support amputees by focusing on awareness, resources and engagement for others who have lost a limb. Byrd himself was severely injured in a boating accident in the summer of 2022 and had his right leg amputated below the knee prior to his first season at ECU, before ultimately making his return to the baseball diamond some 13 months later.
Other causes that Byrd has championed in the local community have included Homers That Help, where each ECU home run and strikeout has helped raise money to be donated to the ECU Children’s Hospital. Byrd has also worked closely with Riley’s Army supporting pediatric cancer patients and Aces for Autism to continue to provide fundraising and awareness initiatives to benefit children and families facing medical challenges. In addition to these organized causes, Byrd has regularly visited local schools and hospitals to share positive encouragement and provide further outreach to those in need.
In recognition of his work in the community, Byrd was awarded the Laurel Wreath by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in April of 2025. The Laurel Wreath is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics in the state.
All-Time American Community Impact Award Winners
2018-19: Stephen Sepcich, Baseball, Tulane
2019-20: Alexandra Wall, Swimming & Diving, Cincinnati
2020-21: Alexis Cheatum, Volleyball, Houston
2021-22: Jenica Baron, Bowling, Tulane
2022-23: Annabelle Corcoran, Swimming & Diving, SMU
2023-24: Carter Cunningham, Baseball, East Carolina
2024-25: Stephen Kittleman, Football, Tulsa
2025-26: Parker Byrd, Baseball, East Carolina