Waite named Ohio Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September

Muskingum University women's soccer senior captain Rachael Waite represents the true definition of a scholar-athlete.

A chemistry major boasting a 3.65 GPA, Waite not only excels in the classroom, but also on the field. She is a two-year captain and has started in 43 of 47 games. Waite's play on the pitch as a defender has helped anchor the backline and start the attack from the back third. In addition to her strong presence on defense, she has contributed a goal and two assists in the stat line. She has become a leader on the team in the midst of suffering a complete ankle dislocation between her freshman and sophomore seasons.  Her dedication and drive to get back on the field enabled her to step right back in without missing a beat.

Waite's display of sportsmanship on the field helped Muskingum become one of only 10 men's or women's collegiate soccer programs across the nation to be honored by the United Soccer Coaches with the prestigious Ethics/Sportsmanship Platinum Award for 2017. In addition, Waite's academic achievements helped the Muskies gain recognition for their excellence in the classroom with the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award.

"Rachael is a two-year captain for a reason. She is one of our strongest student-athletes," said Muskingum Head Coach Mary Beth Caudill.  "She competes hard on the field and in the classroom each and every day - striving to succeed in everything she does.  We count on her to set the highest standards for our team to follow and she does not disappoint."

Outside the field of competition, Waite is active on campus and in the community. She's the women's soccer representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a member of the American Chemical Society, serves as a chemistry teaching assistant and peer leader, tutors local students in the East Muskingum School District, and volunteers for local soccer clinics hosted by the Muskies. As an active member of SAAC, Waite helped lead several strong community service efforts including the Hoops for Hunger Food Drive and the Ohio Reads Program. Additionally, she helped organize SAAC's Golden Hook Award show which honors the outstanding achievements of Muskingum's teams and student-athletes.

"Rachael is a wonderful ambassador for our program and the university," said Coach Caudill. "She represents so well those characteristics we feel are important to take from sport into the community."