SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Evangel University Department of Athletics announced the 2022 Dr. David Stair and Sandra Sorbo Student-Athletes of the Year for the 2021-22 year as Cade Coffman and Eryn Russell were named as the winners.
Dr. Stair and Sandra Sorbo are former Directors of Athletics who were advocates for all student-athletes and expected excellence from all who participated wearing the Evangel uniform. They had great respect for those who worked hard, were exceptional performers, and exemplified great integrity and sportsmanship.
The two student-athletes will be honored during Hall of Fame Weekend at the Hall of Fame Banquet on September 9.
Coffman was the first Evangel men's basketball two-time All-American selection since 2014-13 when Zack Kleine earned back-to-back honors. His first All-American honor came after his sophomore season in 2019-20.
The Mountain Grove, Missouri, native was also a first-team All-Heart selection as he helped lead the Valor back to the NAIA Tournament for the first time since 2015. Coffman finished the season averaging 15.8 points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game to lead the Valor in both categories. He finished his career at Evangel ranking fifth all-time in scoring with 1,708 points, sixth in three-pointers made with 207, and seventh in total rebounds with 741.
Coffman most recently finished his service as Evangel's HSA representative as part of the Heart Conference Association of Student-Athletes, as well as a volunteer at his church in Sunday School and kids service. He also coaches youth teams at the local YMCA and helps train youth basketball.
Russell earned her third consecutive Heart Defensive Player of the Year honor in 2021 after leading the Heart in digs per game (5.31) and totaled 611 digs during the 2021 regular season. She was named AVCA All-Region as the Republic, Mo., product topped the 30-dig mark on two occasions, including a season-best 37-dig performance vs. Benedictine on Oct. 5, allowing her to be named the Heart Defender of the Week on Oct. 11.
Russell has been active in several activities on and off campus including EU Service Day, Convoy of Hope volunteer, and is a youth volleyball club coach.
Past winners of the Stair and Sorbo Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year are listed below:
2018: Male - Josh Evans (football); Female - Sydnee Garrett (women's basketball)
2019: Male - Andreas Moeller (football); Female – Lexie Vaught (women's basketball)
2020: Male – Sam Morton (football); Female – Lexie Vaught (women's basketball)
2021: Male – Shane Burns (Cross Country); Female – Bayley Harman (women's basketball)
2022: Male – Cade Coffman (Men's Basketball); Female – Eryn Russell (volleyball)
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.
—#OneValor—
