The Central College Athletics Department presented three of its highest awards to graduating seniors.

Men’s soccer player Coleman Manuel received the Prins Sportsmanship Award, football player Grant Nelson received the Ron Schipper Leadership Award and softball player Anya Kistenmacher received the Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award.

The Prins Sportsmanship Award, named after Tunis W. and Harriet B. Prins, is given to a student-athlete or non-athlete, who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in dealing with fellow students on campus or in meeting life’s challenges. Manuel was a four-time letterwinner as a midfielder for the Dutch men’s soccer squad. He was named to the American Rivers Academic All-Conference team three times and was a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree. Last fall, Manuel scored three goals and had three assists.

The Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award is given annually to a junior or senior who has demonstrated positive values through faith-based leadership in a variety of co-curricular activities. Kistenmacher was a two-time letterwinner for the Central softball team as a pinch-runner. She was a member of three NCAA Division III tournament teams and the 2024 conference championship squad. Kistenmacher scored eight runs and stole three bases this spring.

The Ron Schipper Leadership Award is presented annually to a senior who reflects the character, commitment and enthusiasm for Central College displayed by Schipper during his 36 years of service to Central’s students as head football coach as well as his 30 years as athletics director. The recipient must demonstrate a willingness to set lofty goals and the drive to achieve them, high ethical standards and strong Christian values, a joyous spirit, genuine concern for others, and a deep, personal loyalty to Central College. Nelson was a two-time second-team all-conference football selection, a three-time academic all-conference honoree, and a three-time CSC academic all-district selection. He was a member of Central’s 2021 conference championship team and an NCAA playoff participant. Nelson had 34 catches for 306 yards and a touchdown last fall.