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Rhyan Ward, a standout player for Lindenwood women's soccer, has been honored with the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Community Service Award for the 2025-26 academic year. This award celebrates student-athletes for their significant contributions outside of sports, and it is awarded based on volunteer activities. Ward has actively participated in community service, including leadership roles at the Lindenwood University Catholic Student Center and youth ministry initiatives. In addition, she has worked with programs for children with disabilities, organized food drives for Meals on Wheels, and provided volunteer child care and nursing home companionship.

• 15 student-athletes received the OVC Community Service Award for the 2025-26 academic year.
• Ward has volunteered in multiple community service roles, contributing over 200 hours during her time at Lindenwood.

While the focus is on Ward's commendable community service, the challenge remains for student-athletes to balance their athletic commitments with extensive volunteering. Not all athletes may have the same level of recognition or opportunity to engage in similar community projects.

• Ward was specifically recognized for her contributions during the 2025-26 academic year.
• The OVC continues to promote community service among its member institutions, highlighting the positive impact of student-athletes beyond the field.

With Ward's recognition, it鈥檚 anticipated that more student-athletes will be inspired to participate in community service as part of their collegiate experience. This could lead to increased partnerships between athletic programs and local community organizations, fostering a spirit of service and engagement.

Rhyan Ward's achievement reflects the important role student-athletes play in their communities, showcasing the power of volunteerism. Her example serves as a reminder that athletic excellence can extend beyond competition, positively influencing lives and communities around them.