EMIL S. LISTON AWARD WINNER

Eric Klekas

Ave Maria University (Fla.).

Eric Klekas is a former basketball player for Ave Maria University (Fla.). Klekas’ nominators attest that he portrays the best combination of leader, worker, competitor, player, student, and ambassador of the Ave Maria University men’s basketball program. Klekas graduated this past May with a 3.9 GPA while majoring in Political Science and minoring in Theology, as well as being team captain his entire career. He was on the Campus Ministry leadership team in which he organized and spoke at multiple campus events as well as served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. His leadership and character are also very apparent to opposing coaches, as they honored him with the Sun Conference Champions of Character award this past season.

Klekas’ impact has been much greater than simply his contributions to the basketball team. He was a true ambassador for the entire athletic department. Klekas helped lead service projects and community‐building initiatives, and he set an example as a tremendous student. His testimonials connected with an audience hungry for direction during uncertain times. He was one of the lead speakers at various campus events, and his comments—based on humility and truth—resonated well.