EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Four University of Evansville student-athletes made the trip to the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis on Tuesday to participate in the NCAA's 8th annual National STUDENT-Athlete Day.
 
Evansville's contingent consisted of Jelena Merseli (VB), Matthew Keller (MSOC), Jimmy Ward (BASE) and Erin Sinnott (WBB).  They joined other student-athletes representing institutions in Indiana for several activities throughout the day.  They worked alongside Indianapolis youth to participate in a service activity making care packages for cancer survivors, notes of encouragement, and posters for display at the cancer center.  They were also able to tour the Hall of Champions and during a full day at the NCAA.
 
"It was an unbelievable experience and an even better memory getting to work with the children and being able to walk through the Hall of Champions," Ward said.  "Learning so much about the NCAA and meeting alumni who work there was an awesome opportunity I will never forget."
 
Activities also included professional development and leadership sessions with NCAA staff.  UE alums Binh Nguyen and Joni Williamson, who both work at the NCAA, also spent time with the Purple Aces student-athletes discussing their career path and recalling memories of their time at UE.
 
"We appreciate the opportunity the NCAA provides annually for our student-athletes to celebrate National Student-Athlete Day and visit the NCAA national office," said UE Senior Associate Athletic Director Sarah Solinsky.
 
National STUDENT-Athlete Day is generally recognized April 6 nationwide, but can be celebrated throughout the months of March and April at NCAA colleges and universities. The day recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and who give back to their community through service projects.  Annually, the NCAA celebrates college athletes from Indiana schools at the national office with a day of service and development.
 
National STUDENT-Athlete Day was created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) and the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society, with partnership from the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations. NCAA involvement began in 1994.
 

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