In an effort to honor the achievements of exceptional student-athletes, the Missouri Valley Conference has created the MVC Leadership & Service Award (formerly the Good Neighbor Award). Ten student-athletes have been named by Commissioner Doug Elgin as the honorees for the 2012-13 winter season.
This year's winter honorees include Michelle Young, Bradley, Women's Basketball, Sophomore; Ally Jensen, Creighton, Women's Basketball, Senior; Cara Lutes, Drake, Women's Basketball, Sophomore; Taylor Ware, Evansville, Women's Basketball, Senior; Cecilia Holmes, Illinois State, Swimming & Diving, Sophomore; Rachael Johnson, Indiana State, Indoor Track & Field, Junior; Jared Roberts, Missouri State, Men's Swimming & Diving, Junior; Riley Banach, UNI, Wrestling, Junior; Melissa Larocque, Southern Illinois, Women's Swimming & Diving, Senior; Chynna Turner, Wichita State, Women's Basketball, Senior.
In order to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must be in good academic standing, must demonstrate good citizenship through good sportsmanship and significant community service, and must participate in a sport, during the season of recognition. The Valley will recognize 10 student-athletes three times annually (fall, winter, spring), for a total of 30 honorees. Institutions select their MVC Leadership & Service Award honorees.
Riley Banach, UNI, Wrestling, Junior
- Athletics Director Honor Roll (Fall '10, Spring '11, Fall '11)
- Western Wrestling Conference Coaches Honor Roll (2010-11, 2011-12)
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes member since 2009
- FCA Event Leader (Fall 2012-present)
- Boys and Girls Club volunteer
- USA Wrestling tournament and camp volunteer
- Waterloo Grout Museum volunteer
- UNI Junior Panther Day volunteer
- Bike and Helmet Day at Irving Elementary School
- Irving Elementary School Counseling Group Mentor
- UNI Wrestling Camp coach and mentor
