MACU Softball Student-Athlete Earns Spot in 2017 Red Cross Leadership Program

April 13th, 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY– Mid-America Christian University softball student-athlete Larissa Tate has been chosen as a member of the prestigious Class of 2017 Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program.

The program is a collaboration between the American Red Cross and the NAIA to inspire a new and diverse generation of Red Cross volunteer leadership through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA “Champions of Character” program.

“To be selected to such a small prestigious group is a tremendous honor for Larissa,” MACU Athletic Director Marcus Moeller said.

“We couldn’t be more proud of how she represents Mid-America Christian University and our athletic department. We look forward to seeing Larissa go and have a great impact on those that she is fortunate enough to work with on this trip.”

This will be an incredible and unique opportunity for Tate to receive first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training that will be presented by senior leaders at the Red Cross, one of the nation’s largest and most trusted non-profit organizations.

A sophomore outfielder from Binger, Okla., Tate will then have the opportunity to become a Red Cross ambassador and give back to the community by recruiting blood donors on campus.

“Larissa is a great person and is a very motivated and organized young lady,” softball head coach Robert Wakefield said.

“She is the definition of a leader. This is a tremendous honor for her, our team, and MACU. We are honored to have her here on our softball team and a student-athlete on campus.”

On the field, Tate and the Evangels have enjoyed recent success by making their first-ever appearance in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) World Series last year.

The program is in its 11th year and is set to begin with two weeks of energetic leadership coaching at the Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. from June 5-16.