Brescia University’s Alex Satterfield Wins River States Conference Bill Melton Champion of Character Award

Brescia University volleyball player Alex Satterfield was recently honored with the River States Conference (RSC) Bill Melton Champion of Character Award.  The award marks the first time in conference history that a school has had a representative win the award in consecutive years. Volleyball standout Courtney Reels ’18 was given the award in 2018. 

“It is a huge honor to receive this award. Everything I aim to embody exists in the criteria for the award, so to receive it and know that I represented Brescia to the best of my ability is very humbling,” said Satterfield.

The award is annually given to one male and one female student-athlete in the RSC who is recognized for excellence in academics, athletics, and the embodiment of the NAIA Champions of Character values.

The award, established in 2015, is named after former RSC Commissioner Bill Melton and modelled after the Dr. Leroy Walker Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA.

“She is an outstanding student, great athlete, and has taken servant leadership to a greater level,” said Brescia President Fr. Larry Hostetter.

Satterfield’s resume clearly displays her devotion to servant leadership. Throughout her time at Brescia, she has been heavily involved with Redeeming Zoe — an organization that battles against human trafficking — and interned with UNANIMA — an advocacy group for the United Nations against human trafficking. Satterfield has additionally served as the president of Brescia’s Psychology Club, worked with Girls Inc., and recently graduated with a degree with pre-law and psychology, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

“The most impressive part is that she took the initiative to do all of this,” said Dean of Students Josh Clary.

Satterfield’s accomplishment adds to the list of Brescia athletes who have won the award — including Reels and cross country’s Kyle Robinson also in 2018.

“It’s a reflection of the values that we have as an institution,” said Clary. Clary went on to expand on Brescia’s belief in servant leadership and caritas (the Christian love of humankind).

“It starts with the values we expect here. We don’t just talk about it. We do it,” added Athletic Director Brian Skortz. “One of our pillars is servant leadership. I couldn’t be happier. This is the vision I hoped to see as the AD,” said Skortz.

Satterfield is the RSC’s nominee for the NAIA Leroy Walker Award, which would make her the NAIA’s champion of character representative.