Rockhurst named finalist for 2023 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence

Rockhurst held a special men’s basketball game experience for the children of Troost.

Rockhurst University was recognized by the NCAA as a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for the long-standing relationship that the men's basketball team has enjoyed with Troost Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to many visits to Troost Elementary, Rockhurst held a special men's basketball game experience for the children of Troost. Players hosted a mini-clinic and a meet-and-greet, with giveaways to each student. The students then cheered on their favorite players.

Rockhurst is one of 22 schools nationally to be named a finalist for the 2023 Award of Excellence, an accolade which recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement, and student-athlete leadership.

"At Rockhurst, we fully embrace the NCAA D2 focus on community engagement, as well as our Jesuit core value of Cura Personalis," said RU Director of Athletics Kristy Bayer.

"It is important to us to have strong relationships with our surrounding community. I am proud of Coach (Drew) Diener and his team for prioritizing community service and building relationships with different youth groups in the area, including Troost Elementary."

Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selected the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session Jan. 14 at the 2023 NCAA Convention in San Antonio.

Each finalist will receive $500. In addition, the winner will receive $2,500, the first runner-up will receive $1,250 and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.

The national winner will be named at the NCAA convention on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Print Friendly Version