OVERLAND PARK, Kan. ? Elon senior back Steven Kinney was selected as one of 30 men’s soccer student-athletes who excel both on and off the field to be a candidate for the 2009 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence ? classroom, character, community and competition.
“This is a great honor for Steven to be nominated on such a prestigious list,” said Elon head coach Darren Powell. “Steven is much deserving, having been named a scholar all-american last year and serving as a team captain for the past two years. He continues to serve the Elon community and excel both in the classroom and on the field.”
A three-year starter for the Phoenix, Kinney helped Elon to an undefeated Southern Conference record and league regular-season crown in 2008. The two-time first-team all-conference performer was recognized for excellence in the classroom as a second-team NSCAA adidas Scholar All-American last season. Kinney has netted five goals and assisted on four others during his Elon career. He earned NSCAA All-South Region recognition in each of the past two seasons.
During his time at Elon, Kinney has been a member of the Athletic Director’s and Southern Conference honor roll. He volunteers his time with the Burlington Soccer Club, coaching youth soccer clinics and training children to develop their soccer abilities. He also took a mission trip to Honduras to help assemble homes and a school for underprivileged children.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s 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.
Kinney is among elite competition, with several of the candidates also on the preseason watch list for the Hermann Trophy, an award given annually to the top Division I soccer player in the country.
From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the 2009 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award at the end of September. Nationwide voting will begin October 5 and conclude November 13. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. The winner will be announced during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s College Cup in Cary, N.C., scheduled for December 11-13.