OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Kyle Hiebert has been named as a candidate for the NCAA's 2021 Senior CLASS Award, the organization announced Thursday. The senior defender is one of 30 men's soccer players from across the country to be considered for the prestigious award. The CLASS Award honors student athletes' attributes in four areas including community, classroom, character and competition. 

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. 

Hiebert has excelled both on and off the field throughout his time at Missouri State. In the classroom he compiled a GPA of 4.0 during his undergraduate years before receiving a Master of Accountancy with a 3.92 GPA. Hiebert is currently pursuing a Data Analytics certificate through the Master of Accountancy program as well.  

Hiebert has compiled numerous accolades and honors while being a multi-year team captain for the Bears. At the conclusion of the 2021 spring season, Hiebert was announced as the CoSIDA All-American of the Year. The senior defender is also a three-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year (2020-21, 2019, 2018), a four-time member of the United Soccer Coaches All-Region team (2020-21, 2019, 2018, 2017), and a CoSIDA All-District Team member in 2020-21, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Hiebert is also a two-time member of the MAC Hermann watch list candidate pool and was named a finalist last season.  

On the field he has found extreme success as well, leading the Bears in minutes played after eight games with 646 and seven starts. Not only is the defender part of a strong Missouri State backfield, but he has tallied two goals this season to help boost the Bears to a 7-1 record.  

The 30 candidates will be narrowed down to a list of 10 later this season before the finalists will be placed on a ballot which will be distributed to coaches, media and fans for voting. The Senior CLASS Award winners will be announced during the NCAA Men's and Women's College Cup Championships in December. 

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