MILWAUKEE – Katie Borchert has been named a recipient of the NACC FAR Award, the league office announced Monday.
The award was developed by the NACC's Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs) to recognize outstanding achievements and commitment in three essential areas – academic performance, contribution to athletics, and service to the campus community. Additionally, it recognizes the perseverance and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of success in those endeavors.
Each NACC institution is allowed to nominate two individuals per semester. These nominees are then taken under consideration by a subcommittee of the conference's FARS, which determines the winners.
Borchert, a senior outside hitter, ended her Edgewood University career as a two-time first-team all-NACC selection while helping lead the Eagles to a NACC regular-season titles, NACC Tournament crowns, and berths in the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championships in each of her final three seasons. In her final season, she was named NACC Player of the Year, earned NACC Tournament MVP honors, and picked up first-team all-region and honorable mention all-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Borchert concluded her career with 1,066 career kills - an average of 2.36 per set - while also recording 684 digs, 226 blocks (33 solo), 47 service aces, and 44 assists. In her final season alone, she posted a NACC-high 384 kills (3.52 kps) with a .239 attack percentage, 310 digs, 68 blocks (10 solo), and 26 service aces.
Throughout her Edgewood University career, Borchert has carved out time to serve as a volunteer coach at numerous volleyball camps - demonstrating technique, assisting in drills, and offering encouragement and feedback to campers. She has also worked with CSC Event Services at various athletic events hosted by the University of Wisconsin.
As an elementary education major, Borchert has also leaned on her practicum experiences. In an effort to deepen her skills and knowledge in the field, she has volunteered on multiple occasions in a kindergarten classroom within the Waterloo (Wis.) School District - engaging with individual students and small groups in an effort to further their education in a manner best suited to them.
She was a three-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selection and is on track to earn a fourth NACC Scholar-Athlete honor this summer.
The four additional recipients for the Fall of 2025 are:
- Max Crawford, Aurora University, men's soccer
- Evelyn Taylor, Edgewood University, women's tennis
- Adrian Manchado, MSOE, men's soccer
- Faith Papazoglou, MSOE, women's soccer
