OKLAHOMA CITY – In conjunction with the 2019 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) softball world series, the NCCAA annually presents its Game Plan 4 Life Character award. This year, the honor went to a nominee from the Mid-America Christian University softball program.
MACU's Larie Amos was named the recipient of the 2019 award, which was presented at the banquet preceding the 2019 tournament in Virginia.
Athletic director Marcus Moeller said of the senior, "Larie is a terrific representative of our program and our university. She is deserving of this award, and it's great to see the NCCAA recognize her on the national stage."
"Receiving this award means a lot to me," Amos remarked. "I love this game and sitting out this year was tough, but being recognized for something other than just a sport is heartwarming. God has blessed me with the ability to play softball for so many years, and this is just another one of His many blessings."
A two-year team captain, Amos strives to be a fierce competitor. During her collegiate career, Amos averaged .375 (69-for-184) from the plate with 18 doubles, six homeruns, 28 runs, and 33 RBI's. In the circle, Amos holds a 10-6 record with a 2.68 ERA, six complete games, three shutouts, and one no-hitter. She has 53 strikeouts in 78.1 innings while allowing an opponent batting average of .224.
The senior from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has battled adversity as both her junior and senior seasons were cut short by injury. Even on a shortened season, Amos earned First Team All-Conference and Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Pitcher of the Week in 2018. Through the difficulty of experiencing two season-ending injuries, Amos believes God has a plan for her and that He placed this opportunity in front of her to do His will.
Amos' honesty and integrity have made her a special teammate. She quietly motivates and challenges her teammates with positive communication and role modeling. As a biology major, Amos has earned academic awards that include NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll, and SAC Softball Academic All-Conference.
"Larie is a coach's dream to coach and be around," said MACU Head Coach Robert Wakefield. "Her teammates look up to her as a role model on and off the field as well as in the classroom."
Award Finalists
Taylor Sile, Houghton College
Award Description
The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character qualities of:
LOVE: demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others (I Corinthians 13)
INTEGRITY: living out ethical principles in a clear consistent manner (Job 27:5)
FAITH: acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others (Hebrews 11)
EXCELLENCE: striving to do all things at the highest standard (Philippians 4:8)
