KISSIMEE, Fla. – The National Christian College Athletic Association held its annual banquet, kicking off the Division I Women's Soccer NCCAA National Championship Tournament on Sunday evening. During the banquet, one of the evening's featured honors was the Joe & Q Harding Award, an award that is part of the NCCAA's Game Plan 4 LIFE series. Each year, one male and one female soccer player are selected for the way they exemplify Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence in every area of life. This year's women's recipient was University of Northwestern senior Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah), whose influence extends well past her performance on the field. Through her steady leadership, genuine care for others, and unwavering commitment to her faith, Mersberger has left a lasting mark on the Eagles program and everyone who has had the chance to compete alongside her.

NCCAA Press Release can be found here.

On the field, Mersberger has cemented herself as one of the most prolific players in program history. She owns Northwestern's records for career goals, single-season and single-game goals, game-winning goals, career points, and single-season points. With more than 80 career goals, she finished 2023 ranked second nationally in both the NCCAA and NCAA Division III with 26 goals, and currently sits second in the NCCAA again this season with 19 goals.

As impressive as her statistics in a UNW jersey are, Mersberger's heart for ministry extends her impact far beyond her notable play on the field. Back home in Wisconsin, she played a key role in helping launch The Well of Elkhart Lake, a church plant that grew out of a middle school Bible study she helped lead. Even while navigating the demands of her senior season five hours away, she continues to support the church's mission through prayer, planning, and preparation for a new community center aimed at serving local families and sharing the Gospel. She also serves through local Bible studies, leading faith-based soccer camps, and participating in her team's 2023 mission trip to Spain. Mersberger has consistently modeled what it means to live out her faith with purpose and generosity.

She will soon graduate from UNW with a major in Ministry Leadership, in which she has maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA. She has excelled academically while balancing her leadership roles on campus, in her hometown, and within the Eagles program.

Northwestern Head Coach Danny Brandt shared high praise for his senior captain, noting that, "while Haley's on-field impact is clear, she impacts our team most as both a spiritual and servant-hearted leader. She is the first to serve in any capacity she can, and is a spiritual leader through leading prayer, devotions, and setting the tone of the spiritual climate on the team. Haley has truly served the program as a Christ-centered leader."

With her name now added to the Joe & Q Harding Award, Mersberger continues to etch her name as not only one of the most accomplished players in program history, but as a Christ-centered leader whose legacy will be felt at Northwestern and beyond for years to come.

Mersberger and the Eagles will begin their run in the NCCAA National Championship as the five seed on Monday at 1:30 PM, playing the four seed, Asbury University.