INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Graduate student Grace Nolan from the Golden Grizzlies women's cross country team was named the #HLXC Sportsmanship Award winner, the league announced this afternoon.

The Sportsmanship Award recognizes student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Sportsmanship is defined as behavior exhibited during competition by student-athletes based on values, respect and integrity.

A team captain, Nolan played a great mentor to the large freshman class the team had this season. While she had great success during her races, she was usually the first to congratulate all of her teammates at the finish line that finished after her. Not only did Nolan support her fellow Golden Grizzlies, but she could be seen congratulating runners from other schools at the finish line. The Clarkston, Mich., native has also put on team events and activities throughout the 2024 season to help the team bond, grow closer and get to know each other better than they already do.

Furthermore, Nolan was named First Team All-League following a seventh-place finish in the Horizon League Championship with a time of 21:40.1. Nolan earned #HLXC Runner of the Week after a third-place finish at the George Dales Invitational with a time of 20:39.4. She's placed in the top-five on two occasions this season, along with three total top-10 finishes, and set a personal best 5K time at the Louisville Classic with a time of 17:33.6, along with a 6K best time of 20:32.7, good for 38th place, at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional.