GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association has recognized
Ava DeShazer (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) as the 2021 Wheeler Award recipient for Women's Outdoor Track and Field. The national award is the highest honor given out yearly by the NCCAA for Track & Field athletes.
Read Full NCCAA Story
HERE
The award, for both men and women, was established in order to enhance excellence in Christian track and field competition and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith as exemplified through Christ-like track and field participation in NCCAA member institutions.
DeShazer, a native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota is a competitive distance runner for the Eagles. Her personal best of 20:07.67 in the 5,000m was achieved at the 2021 Dordt Invite and currently ranks No. 14 in the NCCAA. In April of 2021 at the Holst Invite, DeShazer recorded a time of 41:41.07 in the 10,000m which ranks fifth best in the NCCAA. She is a two-time Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) All-Conference member and will be competing in the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the 2021 NCCAA Women's Track and Field Championship.
The senior is pursuing a degree in animation illustration and biblical studies and boasts a 3.86 GPA. She has earned the honors of UMAC Academic All-Conference and is an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. In the past two years DeShazer has taken on leadership roles which have contributed to positive team chemistry. Stepping into senior year she aspires to be a good role model, especially to those new to the sport. DeShazer seeks to give God all the glory for giving her the opportunity to run in His name.
"Ava leads the way in event performances, team community, and service," stated Head Coach
Steve Thiessen. "She is a great competitor, true friend, and encourager who demonstrates sportsmanship and lives out her faith in Christ daily."
DeShazer is the 37th winner of the award that dates back to 1984 and is the second UNW Women's Track & Field Athlete to earn the award in program history. The Eagles have won the award in consecutive years, as alumna
Amanda Sonnenburg (Lakeville, Minn./Apple Valley) earned the honor in 2020.
