The NCCAA honored four Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award recipients at the NCCAA Hall of Fame Banquet at the National Convention in Marion, IN on May 28th.
The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes and athletics staff who epitomize the Christian character qualities of LOVE, INTEGRITY, FAITH, and EXCELLENCE.
This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Female Student-Athlete Character Award recipient is Melissa Loretto from Trinity International University. Melissa is a senior women’s soccer player studying mathematics/secondary education. Melissa has been a leader on TIU’s campus and surrounding community; from leading “Faith Alive” Trinity ministry to low-income families, to being a member in TIU’s chapel band, to leading her soccer team as captain this past fall as well as leading team small groups and Costa Rica mission trips.
Melissa has been on the Dean’s List all eight semesters of college while being a member in TIU’s Honors Program, 2-year NAIA scholar-athlete and NCCAA scholar-athlete, 2014 CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-American, and the 2014 NCCAA Michelle Akers Award Winner.
On the field Melissa started all 84 games in her career at TIU and collected 27 goals, 32 assists.
Coach Patrick Gilliam said about Melissa, “I have found Melissa to be a young person who is “others-focused”, regularly putting the needs and desires of other people before her own. Her care and concern for teammates is well-known and highly respected, a tremendous example to our entire program.”
Congratulations Melissa Loretto the 2015 Female Student-Athlete Game Plan 4 LIFE Award recipient!
This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Male Student-Athlete Character Award recipient is Sutton Rehwaldt from North Central University. Sutton is a senior cross-country runner and tennis player studying Biblical and Theological Studies. Sutton’s dedication to his studies led him to the honor of Outstanding Biblical and Theological Studies Graduate of the Year at North Central. His leadership was felt on campus as he served as the co-director of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
Sutton is a 2-time NCCAA Scholar Athlete, and given the Wheeler Award winner in 2013. He also won the individual men’s cross country DII national championship in 2013 while leading NCU to a first place team finish as well in 2010 and 2013.
Coach Trey Meadows said, “Sutton has shown a keen interest in endeavoring to know Christ more thoroughly and see his Savior portrayed in the light of all the glory He deserves. The list of his experiences both academic, athletic and relationally have shown a fully integrated faith that is mature beyond his age and makes Sutton an ideal candidate for this outstanding honor.”
Greg Hayton, NCU Faculty Athletics representative, noted, “ Sutton has distinguished himself as a leader, mentor, servant, academician and athlete. He is a young man who looks beyond his own success to help others believe in themselves and find success as well.”
Congratulations Sutton Rehwaldt the 2015 Male Student-Athlete Game Plan 4 LIFE Award recipient!
This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Female Athletic Staff Character Award recipient is Kim Abbott from Columbia International University. Kim has served since 2010 as the first athletic director of CIU. In her role as AD she leads with genuine care and concern for others around her and exhibits the character qualities of love, integrity, faith, and excellence in all that she does.
Kim’s faith is evident in her everyday walk of life. CIU Women’s Basketball Coach Tammy Holder said, “Kim is never too busy for counseling opportunities or sharing her faith. She always makes time to fellowship with faculty, staff, students, and student-athletes.”
James Whitaker, Men’s Soccer Coach at CIU, described Kim as a ‘coach’s AD’, working tirelessly to make sure their coaches and players have everything they need to be successful. He noted that she does not lead from above others; instead, she humbly serves others in her role at CIU. James notices that Kim strives daily to live and work in an ethical manner, consistent with a follower of Jesus. She does things the right way and encourages other to do the same.
Jud Brooker, CIU Cross Country/Track Coach, explained how Kim really portrays CIU’s mission of “to know Him and to make Him known”. She desires for her teams to be successful so they have a greater platform to use. She is a true professional at what she does and has an outstanding reputation around the nation for her work.
Striving to improve her craft daily, Kim is the epitome of excellence.
Congratulations Kim Abbott the 2015 Female Athletic Staff Game Plan 4 LIFE Award recipient!
This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Male Athletic Staff Character Award recipient is Martin Ward from Providence University College. Martin has been the Men’s Soccer Coach at Providence for 21 years. The program under Martin’s leadership has amassed a 184-92-25 record, 10 NCCAA North Central Region Championships and 10 NCCAA National Championship appearances. Martin has been awarded the North Central Region Coach of the Year award six times in his career.
Martin’s contributions to the lives of student-athletes, the Providence Athletics program, the NCCAA, and his community are significant and many. His moral character, integrity, and commitment to discipleship, have reflected his sincere desire to be a role model to his players, and to make a genuine difference in their lives. For Martin, coaching is much more than just the game. His approach to coaching exemplifies the very purposes of the NCCAA; that athletics are a means to an end, not the end themselves. The process is as important as the performance, and that the student-athlete is more important than the program.
Martin has dedicated his life to and work to serving and leading with love, integrity, faith, and excellence always in the forefront.
Congratulations Martin Ward the 2015 Male Athletic Staff Game Plan 4 LIFE Award recipient!