A Missouri Valley College men’s basketball student-athlete has been selected as the Heart of America Athletic Conference nominee for the NAIA’s Emil S. Liston Award.

The award is presented to one men’s and one women’s basketball student-athlete in the NAIA for their efforts on the court and in the classroom. Jace Lance (Marshall, Mo.) was selected as the men’s basketball student-athlete award winner from the Heart, and will be eligible for the National award. Nominees must have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and attained junior standing academically.

Lance is a three-time selection to the Heart Men’s Basketball All-Conference Team. In the 2022-23 season, Lance led the Heart in minutes per game (35.3), was fourth in assists (111) and finished with a 13.7 points per game average.

Academically, Lance earned his third selection to the Heart Scholar Athlete list in July, and was selected as an NAIA Scholar Athlete back in March. He is a physical education major, and carries a 3.53 GPA.

“I am extremely proud of Jace for his commitment in the classroom and his achievements on the court,” said Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chad Lance. “He is a true example of what a student-athlete represents. His hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. It is a great honor to represent our conference as the Emil S. Liston Award winner. He is in great company with the many award winners before him.”

Lance is one of the Emil S. Liston Award finalists, with the National award winner being announced during the NAIA National Awards Day, September 15.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Valley College