By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor 

MVC Athletics hosted the First Valhalla Athletic Awards Ceremony in Burns Athletic Complex on May 1, 2025. 

The Ceremony gave out a number of different awards including the Tom Fifer Coach of the Year Award, named after Tom Fifer who served as athletic director for 25 years. Women’s Soccer coach Drew Hawkins received this award after leading the Women’s Soccer team to the third round in the NAIA National championship. 

Another Award was the President’s Academic Excellence Award, this award was given to the team with the highest overall GPA. The Women’s Rodeo Team led the pack with an average 3.6 GPA.

Some special announcements were also made, President of MVC Dr. Parisi emphasized the need for changes. 

“If we are truly the largest athletics program in the country, then we better start acting like it. This means that the athletic administration should mimic that of the largest athletics program out there,” he said

Dr. Parisi announced that there are four individuals who will be managing as athletic directors

• Scott Queen, Assistant Athletic Director, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
• Ben Lister, Assistant Athletic Director, Women’s Basketball Head Coach
• Vladimir Simic, Assistant Athletic Director, Head Men’s Soccer Coach
• John McEachern, Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Transportation, Archery Coach

Along with these changes came the announcement of a new club sport, Women’s Flag Football. Dr. Parisi gave special accreditation to student Marcelina Luke for her persistence in turning this idea into reality. 

Other awards given out include The Newcomer Coach of the Year awarded to Noah Cotterman the Men’s Volleyball Head Coach, Assistant Coach of the Year awarded to John Young Assistant Coach of the Men’s Rodeo Team, Coed Team of the Year awarded to the shotgun sports team, Most Improved Team awarded to the Women’s Wrestling team, Team of the Year awarded to the Men’s Soccer team.

They also gave out two Athlete of the Year awards across the whole department 

• Male Athlete of the Year, Sam Green (Men’s Soccer)
• Female Athlete of the Year, Marta Carrasca Mesa (Women’s Soccer)