Missouri State volleyball player Jamie Adams and men’s soccer standout Lance Parker have been selected Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week for their performances during the period of September 24-30, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced Thursday.
Now in its ninth year of existence, The Valley’s Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies. On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.
"Our continued corporate partnership with Prairie Farms provides an important vehicle by which to honor our top student-athletes," said Commissioner Elgin, who is in his 20th year with The Valley. "Our student-athletes are the league’s best representatives, and we’re happy to recognize Lance (Parker) and Jamie (Adams) for their athletic and academic achievements."
A senior outside hitter from Liberty, Mo., Adams averaged 4.6 kills on .284 hitting in victories over Oral Roberts, Southern Illinois and Evansville. Adams, who has a 3.58 cumulative grade-point average in entertainment management, capped her week by collecting 19 kills and hitting .500 versus the Purple Aces. Her 19 kills were the most for a Bear in a three-game match since August of 2005.
A senior goalkeeper, Parker earned Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the week honors after being named most valuable player of the Busey/Bradley Homecoming Classic on Sept. 28-29. The Oklahoma City native saved 14 of 15 shots on goal (93.3 save percentage), as the Bears defeated Illinois-Chicago and IUPUI. Parker has a 3.67 cumulative grade-point average in business.
To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.
