Rhyan Ward, a defender for Lindenwood University’s women’s soccer squad, has been honored with the 2025‑26 Ohio Valley Conference Community Service Award, a distinction that celebrates student‑athletes who make a tangible difference in their communities beyond athletic achievement.
Award Recognition
The OVC, which comprises twelve member institutions across the Midwest and South, selects one male and one female athlete each year for this honor, recognizing achievements that extend from athletic performance to civic engagement. Ward’s selection reflects not only her defensive prowess on the field but also the breadth of her volunteer portfolio, which spans faith‑based ministry, youth sports, and charitable outreach.
At the Lindenwood University Catholic Student Center, Ward leads weekly bible studies and coordinates campus events, fostering spiritual growth among peers. In her role as a youth ministry leader at St. Clement of Rome in Brentwood, Tennessee, she organizes service trips that combine hands‑on construction work with faith formation, mentoring teenagers while addressing local housing needs.
Service Portfolio
Her commitment to inclusive sport shines through her work with the Special Needs Soccer Association, where she assists children with disabilities in learning and playing soccer, adapting drills to ensure every participant feels valued. Ward also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, coordinating food drives that deliver nourishment to families facing food insecurity across the region.
Beyond food distribution, she partners with Birthright St. Charles to gather and sort donations for mothers and infants, ensuring that essential supplies reach those who need them most. In a nursing home setting, Ward provides childcare and engages residents in recreational activities, bringing intergenerational joy to the facility’s community.
Broader Implications
The award underscores a growing emphasis among collegiate athletic programs on holistic development, encouraging athletes to leverage their platforms for social good. With fifteen recipients honored this year, the OVC’s initiative illustrates a broader trend of recognizing community stewardship as a core component of the student‑athlete experience.
Lindenwood’s athletic department praised Ward’s dedication, noting that her efforts exemplify the university’s mission to cultivate leaders who excel both on the field and in the community. As she looks ahead, Ward plans to continue her service work, aiming to expand programs that blend sport, faith, and compassion for future generations.