HANOVER, Ind. - Hanover College senior Kelsey Waggoner has been named the recipient of the prestigious Mildred E. Lemen Mental Attitude Award, honoring a student-athlete who exemplifies perseverance, determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to Hanover College athletics.
Waggoner's journey to this honor was defined by extraordinary adversity and an inspiring comeback that helped propel the Panthers to the post season.
 
After suffering a significant injury during her junior year, Waggoner faced months of uncertainty before receiving a note of positivity from her doctor. The senior was given the option to try volleyball again, and the results spoke for themselves.
 
Waggoner returned to the court and quickly became a key contributor for the Panthers, helping to elevate the Panthers throughout the season. Her attitude and leadership played a crucial role in Hanover's remarkable postseason run.
 
The Panthers captured the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship in dramatic fashion, defeating both the conference's No. 1 and No. 2 seeds to claim the title and earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.