LOUISVILLE – University of Northwestern head volleyball coach Beth Wilmeth has received yet another prestigious honor, as she has been selected as the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Game Plan 4 LIFE Female Staff Character Award winner. The accolade – which is given to student-athletes and athletics staff that embody the Christian character qualities of love, integrity, faith and excellence – was presented Thursday evening at the annual NCCAA Convention in Louisville.

Click here to view the complete NCCAA release.

Wilmeth – entering her 13th year at the helm of the volleyball program – displays the highest level of character in her day-to-day duties as a head coach and administrator. She's successful in creating devotionals, team bonding experiences and spiritual challenges that push colleagues and her student-athletes to further the Kingdom of Christ.

Wilmeth has guided the Eagles to unprecedented success on and off the court, most recently leading UNW to its first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance this past fall. The five-team Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Coach of the Year is closing in on the 300-win milestone, as she has tallied 289 wins to date. Under Wilmeth's direction, Northwestern has been very impressive in the classroom, taking home eight-consecutive American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Awards.

The achievement comes on the heels of Wilmeth's selection to serve on the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Committee.

In addition to her duties as the head coach of the volleyball team, she also serves as the Senior Women's Administrator (SWA) and an Assistant Athletic Director at UNW.

Wilmeth and company will open their 2016 slate by hosting a five-team tournament Labor Day weekend inside the Ericksen Center.

What They Are Saying
"Beth's life of integrity and pursuit of excellence represents the cornerstone as to why UNW has had such a successful volleyball program under her leadership."
 - Scott Groeneweg, Assistant Athletic Director for Recruitment

"Beth taught us that our strength is not of ourselves and our skills were given to us as a vehicle for the furthering of God's Kingdom."
 - Lydia Palkert (Excelsior, Minn./Southwest Christian), UNW Volleyball 2012-15

"Because of how Beth intentionally invested in me both on and off the court, I am able to pay it forward because I have seen the effect it has had on my life. Her character and love for the Lord is undeniable and I continue to strive to be a leader like her."
- Emily Robertson, UNW Volleyball 2010-13