PANAMA CITY, Fla. - Lee University senior Madison Alexander received the NCCAA Women's Golf Game Plan 4 LIFE award on Sunday evening at the annual NCCAA National Tournament banquet.
The recipient is nominated by her coach and then selected by a NCCAA committee. The criteria is spelled out on the application form.
1. Be a junior or senior or graduate student-athlete who excels on a good team
2. Have a clear Christian testimony both on and off the golf course
3. Be an excellent student-athlete
4. Demonstrate leadership ability
"I am ecstatic that the NCCAA selected Madison as the award winner," said Lee golf coach John Maupin. "She has been such an integral part of our team over the last four years, and has represented our program and university in a first-class way.
"To me what makes this such a prestigious award is that it encompasses many areas; athletic achievement, academics, character, and Christian testimony. One of the things we stress to our players is the importance of balance in their lives. Madison is a great example of how to do that. She has made a lasting impact on our program and many of the people around her. It is a very good feeling to see her recognized in this way."
The daughter of Howie and Rebecca Alexander is a graduate of Science Hill High School. She completed a Lee service project in Cambodia for a group called People for Care and Learning. In the classroom Madison carries a perfect 4.0 GPA and will graduate with a Business-Accounting degree. She is a two-time NCCAA Scholar and WGCA Academic All-American. Alexander is also a member of the Delta Mu Delta, a club for top business students.
Her accomplishments are just as impressive on the golf course. The team captain for the Lady Flames was a (2012) NAIA honorable mention All-American and named Southern States Athletic All-Conference. She was selected as a (2014) NCCAA National Player of the Week and won medalist honors in 2013 and 2014 tournaments. She was a leader on last year's NCCAA National Championship team.
"I cannot begin to describe how honored I feel to receive such an award," said Alexander. "To even be considered and nominated for this is very humbling. This award means so much because it isn't just about your athletic accomplishments, but it's also about your character outside of sports.
"It feels great to have everything come together my senior year and I couldn't have done it without coach Maupin. He has been there encouraging me through all the ups and downs of being a college athlete.
I'm so blessed to be able to play for a school that really cares about not only my development as an athlete, but also as a Christian. I wouldn't be the person I am today without my coaches, teammates, and family helping me get to this point."
