OXFORD, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of the women's volleyball team at Indiana University Southeast as the 2025-26 recipient of the River States Conference Women's Team of Character Award. The Grenadiers were selected after a vote from the athletic directors of the River States Conference.

The RSC Team of Character awards honor one men's and one women's team each year for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community. A deserving team demonstrates the NAIA's five core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. The award is patterned after the national team of character award presented by the NAIA.

The IUS Volleyball team demonstrated a strong commitment to community service by volunteering at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Charities in New Albany. Team members worked together on a variety of meaningful projects, including yard maintenance, painting, cleaning, preparing meals, etc., all of which directly supported the organization’s mission to serve those in need. Through their hands-on efforts, the team helped improve the facility and create a more welcoming environment for the community members it serves. 

This experience not only allowed the IUS Volleyball team to give back to the local community, but also reinforced important values such as teamwork, leadership, and compassion. Their dedication to service reflected positively on Indiana University Southeast Athletics and exemplified the role student athletes can play in making a meaningful difference beyond the court. 

In her first season at the helm of IU Southeast volleyball, Head Coach Taylor Wilson-Evanczysk led the team to a 19-13 record. The Grenadiers finished third in the RSC West Division with a conference record of 11-5. 

The Grenadiers will now be considered for the national Team of Character award, given out annually by the NAIA and sponsored by the NAIA's Conference Commissioners Association.