Jadyn Sheffield, Keyon Butler Earn December 2025 Central Bank Student-Athlete of the Month Accolades
University of Central Missouri student-athletes Jadyn Sheffield of Jennies Softball and Keyon Butler of Mules Football have been selected as the December 2025 Central Bank Student-Athletes of the Month.
Jadyn Sheffield, Sr., Jennies Softball
From nominator: "Jadyn has been an emerging leader for the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC), and is a great student in the classroom! She was selected by the MIAA to attend the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Dallas, Texas, this November. She was able to gain great leadership knowledge and application tips. Jadyn is a great model for her peers!"
Keyon Butler, R-So., Mules Football
From nominator: "Keyon has gone above and beyond this semester, demonstrating an exceptional balance of athletic commitment, academic focus, and personal responsibility. Despite earning numerous accolades on the football field this season, he seamlessly transitioned his attention to the classroom and his job without missing a beat. As soon as the season ended, Keyon picked up additional work shifts to support himself and has shown an even deeper dedication to his studies. His leadership extends far beyond the field. Keyon consistently uplifts those around him, brings a team-first mindset to every environment he enters, and serves as a positive influence on his peers. As one of our top Student Ambassadors, he greets visiting families with genuine enthusiasm, representing UCM with pride and helping future Mules and Jennies envision their place here. His character, reliability, and infectious positivity make him a joy to work with and a standout member of our community. Keyon embodies what it means to be a student-athlete at UCM, and his commitment to excellence in all aspects of life makes him a highly deserving candidate for Student-Athlete of the Month."
Conner Johnston, Desi Curtin Earn November 2025 Central Bank Student-Athlete of the Month Accolades
University of Central Missouri student-athletes Conner Johnston of Mules Wrestling and Desi Curtin of the UCM Cheer Team have been selected as the November 2025 Central Bank Student-Athletes of the Month.
Conner Johnston, Sr., Mules Wrestling
From nominator: "Conner demonstrates an exceptional commitment to both the rigorous demands of the nursing program and his athletic commitments, a difficult feat given the time and energy required by both. Beyond his proven academic and athletic success, Conner possesses a true heart for patients, consistently displaying genuine empathy and a dedicated caring nature that is essential for a future nurse. He is a high-achieving student who maintains a dedication to his sport, truly embodying the spirit of a committed and well-rounded student-athlete."
Desi Curtin, Jr., UCM Cheer Team
From nominator: "Desi has a positive attitude that is contagious, and works hard to achieve any goal she sets. She balances her sport with her coursework and field experience like a pro, and helps others along the way to do the same. She's truly a shining star."
Camden Taylor, Lauren Blake Earn October 2025 Central Bank Student-Athlete of the Month Honors
University of Central Missouri student-athletes Camden Taylor of Mules Football and Lauren Blake of Jennies Volleyball have been selected as the October 2025 Central Bank Student-Athletes of the Month.
Camden Taylor, R-So., Defensive Lineman
From nominator: "In my more than ten years of teaching Managing Sport Events, he is the first student to receive a 100 percent on the midterm. Not only is he very diligent and consistently punctual, never missing a class or arriving late, but he also demonstrates exceptional work ethic, submitting high-quality homework on every occasion."
Lauren Blake, Jr., Opposite
From nominator: "Lauren is a stellar student. She is an active and engaged participant in class discussions. She brings a positive attitude and drive to her individual and team assignments. She is as dedicated to learning in the classroom as she is to her sport."
Noah Smith, Therese Reindl Named September 2025 Central Bank Student-Athletes of the Month
University of Central Missouri student-athletes Noah Smith of Mules Football and Therese Reindl of Jennies Track & Field have been selected as the September 2025 Central Bank Student-Athletes of the Month.
Noah Smith, Jr., Offensive Lineman
From nominator: “Noah has been in a couple of my classes while here at UCM. He has not only shown his academic ability in my classes but his leadership ability as well. He takes the younger students in the class under his wing and helps them be successful while holding them accountable. Noah is truly an impressive young man. His willingness to learn and lead others is what makes him such an outstanding individual.”
Therese Reindl, Sr., High Jump
From nominator: “Therese is an exceptionally talented senior biochemistry major. Her academic accomplishments are vast, she has been participating in undergraduate research with Professor Caitlin Lacker for over a year, and she participates in numerous outreach and service activities on campus. Most recently, this has included travel to Cuba as part of the Global Vision cohort. In short, Therese's accomplishments are incredibly significant even before you consider the amount of time/effort she puts into representing UCM as an athlete.”
About the Central Bank Student-Athlete of the Month
- Any UCM faculty or staff member can submit a nomination for the honor.
- Any current student-athlete in good academic standing is eligible for the award. Criteria for the accolade include academic performance, classroom engagement, and demonstration of commitment to scholarship. Athletic performance is not a determining factor in the process.
