ST. LOUIS - Redbird junior Ruthie Zemke was honored as a Missouri Valley Conference State Farm Good Neighbor Award winner Tuesday, as announced by the league office.
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 recognizes athletes three times annually.
The award honors athletes, like Zemke, who are leaders on and off the field. Zemke is a member of the 2009 MVC regular season and tournament champion Illinois State women's soccer team. Zemke has two assists and contributed to the Redbirds' 1.19 goals-per-average on defense this season. Zemke is also a member of the MVC Honor Roll, AFNI Honor Roll, and volunteers her time with the MVC State Farm Just Read Program, Recess Buddies, Christmas for Kids and Habitat for Humanity.
"Ruthie is a very dedicated student-athlete," said head coach Drew Roff. "She definitely has a leadership role on our team. Ruthie has a good perspective on things, and she is willing to use this opportunity as a student-athlete to help others. She works hard on the field and hard in the classroom. Yet, she still finds time to help the community. She is a role model for others on our team."
Along with Zemke, MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin named nine other student-athletes as honorees this fall. The fall honorees include Katie Nowak (Bradley), Claire Zach (Creighton), Mason Bucklin (Drake), Blake Schneider (Evansville), Scott Keeney, (Indiana State), Terry Phillips (Missouri State), Chelsie Hochstedler (UNI), Tony Colletti (Southern Illinois), and Kim Wadsworth (Wichita State). The Redbirds are set to make their first postseason appearance in six years as they face the No. 3 seed Florida in the first round of the NCAA Championship in Columbus, Ohio, at 4 p.m. (CT).
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