Meltzer of Lawrence Tech Named Rob Miller Coach of Character

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) announced Lawrence Tech head women's lacrosse coach Mary Ann Meltzer as the 2022-23 Rob Miller Coach of Character. She is the first coach from Lawrence Tech to win the award. The honor is named after former WHAC Commissioner Rob Miller and recognizes a coach who demonstrates methods of teaching character through sport while instilling a tradition of athletic and community excellence. The award centers itself on the five core values of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character initiative: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Meltzer is now forwarded to the NAIA in consideration for the national award.

Meltzer is a prime example of the five core character values in action. She lives them and instills them into practices and games. Her success on the lacrosse field is a reflection of her commitment to character as she understands how the two go hand-in-hand. Meltzer's teams have won five WHAC championships, was the NAIA national runner-up in 2022, and won the NAIA national championship this season.

"I see Coach Meltzer emulating the five core values of the Champions of Character program every day," said LTU athletics director Scott Trudeau. "It's something that comes natural to her."

A former member of the US Lacrosse Board of Directors and current member of the IWLCA Board of Directors, Meltzer is a frequent clinician and tireless advocate for creating opportunities for women to compete in athletics.

"I cannot think of a more deserving coach as she is a great colleague and mentor as well as an excellent coach," commented Trudeau.  

All-Time Coach of Character winners
2008-09 - Randy Strawser, Cornerstone (women's soccer)
2009-10 - Randy Strawser, Cornerstone (women's soccer)
2010-11 - Jerry Hendrick, Aquinas (tennis)
2011-12 - Kristi Solberg, Indiana Tech (volleyball)
2012-13 - Randy Strawser, Cornerstone (women's soccer)
2013-14 - Mike Wojciakowski, Aquinas (cross country)
2014-15 - none namec
2015-16 - none named
2016-17 - Kourtney Wilson, Indiana Tech (volleyball)
2017-18 - Jim Lipocky, Indiana Tech (women's soccer)
2018-19 - Chuck Lowitzki, Cornerstone (baseball) (national winner)
2019-20 - Randy Strawser, Cornerstone (women's soccer)
2020-21 - Patrick Daugherty, Madonna (cross country, track & field)
2021-22 - Noel Emenhiser, Madonna (men's basketball)
2022-23 - Mary Ann Meltzer, Lawrence Tech (women's lacrosse)