General | 7/17/2025 1:00:00 PM

OXFORD, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of Midway University soccer player Morgan Harper as the 2024-25 Bill Melton Female Champion of Character recipient. 

The RSC Bill Melton Champion of Character Award annually recognizes student-athletes for excellence in academics, athletics and the embodiment of the NAIA Champions of Character values. The award is named for former RSC (then called KIAC) Commissioner Bill Melton. It promotes and recognizes the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship.

Harper will have her name forwarded on to the national ballot as a candidate for the NAIA Leroy Walker Award, of which the Bill Melton Award is modeled after.

Nominated by their institution, candidates must be at least a junior with a 3.0+ GPA. Other considerations for the award are campus and community leadership, embracing the five core values and athletic achievement. The award was established in 2015-16, and the honoree is selected after a vote of the River States Conference's athletic directors.

In submitting Harper for the award, Midway University women's soccer coach Sherrill Smith lauded Harper's commitment to the NAIA's core character values, both on and off the field.

"Morgan embodies the essence of character, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the field, making her an exceptional candidate for this esteemed honor," Smith said. "Morgan's commitment to character and integrity is evident in her various roles and contributions within our University community."

Nominees for the Melton Award are also asked to submit an essay touching on the NAIA's five core character values. In hers, Harper stated the NAIA's core values are something that can and should extend beyond the playing field.

"I pride myself on showing up for those around me, as I believe it is the responsibility of a leader, friend, and teammate to do just that," Harper said. "Responsibility is much more than just completing your personal tasks; it is a desire to help others and be responsible."