KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State soccer senior #Nicole Calder# has been named the recipient of the Owls of Excellence Award for the month of September, it was announced on Tuesday (Sept. 17).
The Owls of Excellence Award was instituted in August of 2012 and established to recognize Kennesaw State student-athletes who excel in their chosen sport, in the classroom, and provide service to the community. A different student-athlete is honored and featured monthly on the Department of Athletics' website, KSUOwls.com.
Along with the Owls of Excellence Award, Calder has also been named a candidate for the Senior CLASS Award, an honor given to senior student-athletes who have notable achievements in four areas – community, classroom, character, and competition.
"We are delighted for Nic and delighted for the program," said head coach #Rob King# on Calder being selected as a Senior CLASS Award candidate. "We have had a lot of very good leaders, a lot of very good senior leaders through the years, but to get some recognition for Nic and for our program in that regard is fantastic. She is a good choice, a very good choice."
Calder, a member of the 2014 Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason All-Conference Team and the 2013 All-Atlantic Sun Conference Second-Team, has had much success on the soccer field, totaling 18 points on six goals and six assists over her career and currently ranking fifth in the KSU record books with five game-winning goals during her three seasons as an Owl.
Receiving honors from the Atlantic Sun Conference as a 2013-14 A-Sun Presidential Scholar, A-Sun Conference Scholar, and an A-Sun All-Academic Honoree, Calder's performance in the classroom matches her success on the field and since arriving at Kennesaw State, Calder has exemplified excellent leadership in the community, including recently completing a voluntary internship with the Murphy Harpst Orphanage and Treatment Center.
Calder's desire to succeed is a true testament to her character. Having to overcome an ACL and ankle injury, she knows what it means to persevere. These qualities are what make her the strong leader that she is.
