Missouri Valley College men’s soccer’s Senior Ruben Jimenez, of Barcelona, has been chosen as the Heart of America Athletic Conference’s nominee for the Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award.

The award is presented by the NAIA, and is considered one of the organization’s most prestigious awards. Created in association with the National Sports Foundation, the award honors outstanding student-athletes for their academics, athletics, leadership and dedication to living the core values of Champions of Character.

According to Andy Pulverenti, sports information director, Jimenez is one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of Missouri Valley’s men soccer program. In the 2020 season, Jimenez helped the men’s soccer team to its first-ever National championship – scoring three goals with one assist at the National tournament.

In 2019, Jimenez led the team with 11 goals and 28 total points. After the 2019 season, he was named a NAIA All-American, the United Soccer Coaches’ NAIA Scholar Athlete of the Year, Heart All-Conference First Team, Heart Scholar Athlete, NAIA Scholar Athlete and placed on the United Soccer Coaches’ NAIA Scholar Team.

A statement says, Jimenez also carries a 3.67 GPA in Computer Information Systems, and has been recognized on the Dean’s List three times.

Men’s Soccer Head Coach Vladimir Simic says “Ruben is one of the hardest working student-athletes I have had the pleasure of coaching at Missouri Valley. He overcame a serious injury after the 2019 season to train and persevere to be ready for this past season. He is a dedicated and determined student, and represents the best of what it means to be a Viking.”

The award is named after Dr. LeRoy Walker, who was a former President of the NAIA and President Emeritus of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The National award winner will be announced by the NAIA in September.