Now in its 75th year, the Ohio Valley Conference continues to build on the success that has made it the nation's eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference. Over those 75 years the League has inspired student-athletes to realize their academic aspirations, maximize their athletics potential, and cultivate their leadership skills to prepare them for life beyond their collegiate experience.

As part of a partnership with Digital Scoreboards, each week through the the academic year, we will honor an OVC student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom, in addition to earning accolades on the playing surface.

This week's honoree is SIUE sophomore soccer midfielder Matea Diekema. Last year she earned the OVC Academic Medal of Honor for her work in the classroom. In 2021, she started all 18 matches for the Cougars, registering seven shots and an assist. Through 13 matches this season she has made 13 starts, tallying a game-winning goal.

#OVC75 | #OVCit

OVC Student-Athletes of the Week presented by Digital Scoreboards
September 2 - Seth Carlisle, Tennessee Tech
September 8 - Aaron Modrow, Southeast Missouri
September 15 - Michelle Jerantowski, Morehead State
September 22 - Logan Wallick, UT Martin
September 29 - Kai Ross, Lindenwood
October 6 - Natalya Bryant, Tennessee State
October 13 - Matea Diekema, SIUE