GREENVILLE, S.C. (Courtesy of the NCCAA) -- The [National Christian College Athletic Association] is pleased to announce Joshua Wright of Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) as the 2021 NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. Award Recipient for Division II Men’s Soccer.

Joshua “Buddy” Wright, a junior from Watertown, Wisconsin, is a clear example of Christian consistency and teachable humility to his team and the Maranatha campus. Wright is a business management major with a 3.75 GPA. He made the Dean’s List, earned the Institutional Scholar-Athlete award, and is an NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. 

The midfielder serves as a team captain, caring for each of his teammates. Wright takes time to ask teammates detailed questions about their lives. He serves as a model for the rest of the team in his teachable manner and appropriate deference to others around him. Wright leads by supporting the teammates around him. His effectiveness in those areas embodies the team’s core values of improvement, humility, excellence, character, and initiative. 

Wright displays a willingness to serve in a variety of capacities for the cause of Christ. He served as a camp counselor and has ministered in his local church through music ministry and soccer outreach programs for the community.

Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jeff Pill adds, “You don’t hear him lead so much as you observe him. Buddy is quiet, but his impact and dependability run deep.” In terms of spiritual development, Coach Pill acknowledges, “Buddy consistently asked for feedback on how he can improve as a player and a follower of Christ. Buddy seeks to understand God’s Word and the nature of truth.”

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This is the sixth time in the last eight years that a Maranatha Men's Soccer member has earned an NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Award. Past recipients are listed below:

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For more on the NCCAA, click here.