KISSIMMEE FL.,The 2015 NCCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship week kicked off tonight as teams gathered for the Kick-Off Dinner (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) headquarters. Upon arrival, all teams took part in providing over 400 toys and 500 pairs of socks for distribution in the local area by several ministry partners. Over 400 participants, volunteers, and staff were treated to dinner courtesy of UNO’s and then were challenged by Orlando City FC defender, Aurelien Collin. The former MLS Defender of the Year, shared his faith and encouraged the young ladies & their coaches to excel in the faith first and foremost.
(l-r) Joshua Miller, Head Women's Soccer Coach, Kentucky Christian University & NCCAA
DII Women's Soccer Chair; Josh Beers, NCCAA DII Men's Soccer Chair; Hannah Sanders,
2015 NCCAA Michelle Akers Award Recipient. Photo credit: Skip Stowers Photography
Topping the night off was the announcement of the Michelle Akers Award for 2015.
This award serves as the top award within the sport, recognizing academic excellence, athletic achievement and Christian service and conduct. Built on the Christ-like traits of Love, Integrity, Faith and Excellence, the NCCAA GP4L awards program seeks to honor one student-athlete in each sport who best displays these qualities.
The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Hannah Sanders of Kentucky Christian University as the 2015 Michelle Akers Award winner. Hannah Sanders of Kentucky Christian University has served as the captain of her team in 2014 and 2015. This selection by her peers and coaches, demonstrates her leadership status amongst those who know her best. Her head coach, Joshua Miller, stated, “I hold this award as the highest award within NCCAA Soccer since it encompasses the full scope of a student-athletes’ character and accomplishments. With that in mind, Hannah is the first KCU team member ever nominated for this award. She simply epitomizes the qualities listed for this honor.”
An elementary education major from Martinsville, Indiana, she carries a 3.65 GPA and has been recognized as 2014 and 2015 NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. A frequent name on the Dean’s List, she strives to excel in the classroom as part of her goal of being excellent for her Savior.
Hannah helped lead the Knights to the 2012 NCCAA Mideast Region title and has persevered to lead them to that high status again in 2015. Their 6-9-0 record comes after a campaign against several high quality NAIA opponents and the best of the NCCAA as well. Sanders has never allowed herself of her team to lose focus of their call to honor Christ on and off the pitch. She has been recognized a member of the Mideast Region 1
st team in each of her four seasons further displaying a consistency of play and leadership seen by opposing coaches and players.
An example of Christ throughout the KCU campus, Hannah has served in a variety of ministries. Most notably is her service on a mission trip to China and Cambodia in 2013 and her role as a camp leader for KCU this summer. Her desire to love her Savior, partner with her teammates in displaying Christ, and care for opponents, while competing at the highest level, models the qualities of Michelle Akers career.
MICHELLE AKERS AWARD FOR CHARACTER:
Since 1997, the NCCAA has presented the Michelle Akers Award to the women’s soccer student-athlete who best models the values of America’s first female soccer star. Akers played with passion and integrity while excelling in both the technical and tactical aspects of the game. From her days at the University of Central Florida, where she was a four-time NCAA All-American, to carrying the US Women’s National Team to World Cup glory, Akers’ faith in Christ was always her first love. The NCCAA is grateful to her for allowing this high honor to bear her name.