CIU’s Daniel Mallard Named NCCAA Student Athlete of the Week

CIU’s Daniel Mallard Named NCCAA Student Athlete of the Week

Daniel Mallard

Columbia International University sophomore Daniel Mallard was named the Student Athlete of the Week by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) for offense in Division 1 Soccer.     

Mallard, a sophomore forward from Greensboro, N.C. has had a strong start to the season, scoring eight goals in three matches to lead CIU to a 3-0 start to the season. For the week of Aug. 26, Mallard scored six goals in two matches including four goals in a 5-0 win over Lagrange College and two goals in a 3-1 win over Point University.

CIU men’s soccer coach James Whitaker says Mallard deserves the award.

"Daniel is such a tough competitor and hard worker,” Whitaker said. “So it's great to see him honored in this way."

As for Mallard, he says he is “very thankful and honored” to be named student athlete of the week.

“I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches,” Mallard said. “We worked very hard during the off-season and are seeing the benefits of that hard work."

Mallard, the first CIU soccer signee, also has the distinction of scoring the first goal in CIU history in a 1-0 win over Toccoa Falls College in August 2012 – the first intercollegiate athletic contest for CIU since it was established 90 years ago. 

For more on CIU athletics check out www.ciu.edu/athletics.