MVC MEN'S SOCCER KEEPER JOSH WELLS EARNS NAIA AWARD

MVC MEN'S SOCCER KEEPER JOSH WELLS EARNS NAIA AWARD

 

Marshall, Mo. (December 9, 2013)- Missouri Valley College men's soccer Senior Keeper Josh Wells (Kent, England) has been named the NAIA Men's Soccer Champions of Character Award winner for the 2013 season.  The award was announced over the weekend in Montgomery, Ala., the site of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament.

 

Josh received the award based on his sportsmanship on the soccer field, on the Missouri Valley College campus and in the community in regards to the NAIA's core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

 

"This is a great accomplishment for a great person," said Head Coach Vladimir Simic.  "Josh has been a great person to coach and lead the team over the years.  He has left a great impression on the men's soccer program and he is a very worthy recipient of this award."

 

Through his career at Missouri Valley, Josh was a four-year member of the men's soccer program and two-year starter at the keeper position serving as team captain in 2013.  He held a career record of 18-9-5 as the starting keeper.  In 2012, Josh was a second team all-conference selection and in 2013, a third team all-conference selection.  In addition to his athletic play on the field, he has been named a two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete. 

 

Outside of the classroom, Josh, who graduated with a degree in criminal justice at the end of the fall semester, has held internships with various law enforcement agencies.  When back in his hometown of Kent, England, he helps his parents, who serve as foster parents for kids from Afghanistan, Albania and parts of Africa.

 

"It really is an honor to receive this award, especially considering all of the others who were nominated," said Josh.  "This just tops off a great season with the team advancing the furthest in program history and accomplishing so much."

 

With Josh winning this award, the NAIA on behalf of Select Sport America will contribute a $1,000 scholarship to Missouri Valley.

 

 

About Missouri Valley College

Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 40 academic programs, study abroad program, honors program, extracurricular activities, and 13 sports. The most popular majors include education and business, and some new majors are ag-business, nursing, graphic design, and health information systems (associate degree). Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu.