EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville women’s soccer player Danielle Langness was awarded the Missouri Valley Conference Leadership and Service Award in a recognition ceremony Wednesday night and was one of 10 student-athletes honored by the conference for the 2012 fall season.
 
The award was created in an effort to honor the achievements of exceptional student-athletes around the Valley.  Langness, a senior midfielder, helped the Purple Aces to the MVC regular-season championship by playing a key role on UE’s defensive unit that posted six shutouts and a 1.21 goals against average.  Off the pitch, Langness is physical therapy major and boasts a 3.706 grade-point average (GPA).
 
“Receiving the MVC Leadership and Service Award puts into perspective the amount of time and work I have put in over the last four years at UE and makes me proud of myself,” Langness said.   “I am glad that I can be recognized and made aware of how much I do for people, even when I do not realize it.  I love volunteering and helping to make people’s lives easier and happier whenever I can.  Hearing the words ‘thank you’ makes my heart happy every time I hear it, because I know that I have done something good, no matter how big or small.”
 
In addition to her accomplishments on the field, the St. Charles, Mo., native is a member of the National Society of College Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma, and has been a SAAC representative for the last four years.  Her volunteer work includes: Upward Soccer, Just Read program, Salvation Army bell ringer, Little Monster Mash, Ace of Hearts, Build-a-Bear Workshop for children with military parents overseas, Holiday Village Retirement Center and It Takes a Village Canine Rescue.
 
“Dani has often stepped up in coordinating our community service efforts through SAAC and within her women’s soccer team,” said UE Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women’s Administrator Sarah Solinsky.  “She exemplifies what we want our student-athletes to be—successful in the classroom, on the field and in leadership and service.”
 
In order to be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be in good academic standing, must demonstrate good citizenship through good sportsmanship and significant community service and must participate in a sport, during the season of recognition.