OXFORD, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of Shawnee State University soccer player Eric Green as the 2024-25 Bill Melton Male 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.

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 Green for the award, Shawnee State men's soccer coach Stan Rodrigues lauded his captain's leadership qualities, both on and off the field.

"What sets Eric apart is his ability to balance discipline with empathy; he holds himself and others to high standards while remaining approachable and supportive," Rodrigues said. "Whether encouraging younger players or resolving conflicts, Eric demonstrates a maturity and emotional intelligence well beyond his years."

Nominees for the Melton Award are also asked to submit an essay touching on the NAIA's five core character values. In his, Green touched on the nature of intercollegiate athletics, and bringing athletes from around the wall together for a singular purpose.

"So many of my teammates over the years, especially those from across the country or internationally, have sacrificed so much to be a part of a team," Green said. "I’d be doing them a disservice if I didn’t try to serve the common good of the team."