Bethany Lutheran College is a member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). The Conference recently announced a list of finalists for the annual Scholar-Athlete Leadership Award. The finalists represent each of the nine member institutions and exhibit excellence in academics, leadership, and service while competing as an NCAA and UMAC student athlete. Seniors Nicole Moldstad (North Mankato, Minn./Minnesota Valley Lutheran) and Kevin Harris (El Paso, Texas, Santa Teresa) represent Bethany on this notable list.
Moldstad is a four-year athlete for the Vikings women’s soccer team and a member of the 2018 women’s tennis team. She will graduate in May 2018 with a biology degree. She plans to attend veterinary school. Moldstad has garnered numerous UMAC All-Conference and Academic All-Conference awards during her soccer career at Bethany and was recently named to the 2017 United Soccer Coaches (USC) NCAA Division III Women’s Scholar All-North/Central Region Second Team, the 2017 NCAA Division III Women’s All-North Region Third Team, and the CoSIDA Academic All-District Women’s Soccer First Team. Moldstad is the all-time leader in total points for Vikings soccer with a career with a total of 119 points and is the only Bethany soccer player, male or female, to eclipse the 100-point mark. Moldstad finished her career first all-time in goals (41), assists (37), and games played and started (82).
Other notable achievements:
Academic:
- Dean’s List
Leadership:
- Vice President of the Scholastic Leadership Society
- Member of the Scholastic Leadership Institute
- Vice President of Bethany Organization of Student Scientists
- Volunteer with the BLC Campus Blood Drive
- Team Captain
Service:
- Volunteer with Mankato Kiwanis Holiday Lights
- Volunteer with BENCHS Humane Society
Harris is a four-year baseball player and a three-year athlete on the Vikings indoor track and field team. Harris’ awards include being a two-time UMAC All-Conference indoor track and field recipient, and also a three-time UMAC Academic All-Conference award winner (baseball and track). He is the holder of the school record in the indoor 200 meters (22.74). During baseball season, Harris led the UMAC in stolen bases in 2017. He will graduate in May 2018 with a degree in exercise science and will be attending physical therapy graduate school at the University of Texas – El Paso.
Other notable achievements:
Academic:
- Dean’s List
Leadership:
- Captain Indoor Track and Field
- Captain Baseball
- Vice President for SAAC
- Member of SAAC
Service:
- Resident Assistant
- Bethany Activities Committee
- Volunteer Kiwanis Lights MN State Special Olympics (2017)
- MN State Fair
- Admissions Tour Guide
The UMAC began recognizing its student athletes with the Scholar-Athlete Leadership award in 2007-2008. The award is given to a male and female student who best represents the ideals of NCAA Division III Athletics. The league and its members believe that athletics plays a role in developing leaders through excellence in academics and community service.
The winners of this year’s Scholar-Athlete Leadership awards will be announced Wednesday, April 11. They will receive a customized plaque commemorating this outstanding accomplishment.