Graceland's Josh Sanderson Named Heart Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award Nominee

Named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the men's basketball tournament, the Emil Liston Scholarship Award recognizes one junior men's and one junior women's basketball student-athlete who has shown high athletic and academic achievement.

Josh Sanderson has consistently led by example both on and off the court during his career at Graceland University. The junior business management and sports management major owns a 3.56 cumulative GPA and is both a Dean's List student and Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete. Sanderson started 22 games for the Yellowjackets' NAIA National Tournament qualifying team, averaging nearly eight points per game while shooting 42 percent from three-point range. His consistent play, work ethic, and team-first mentality have established him as a respected leader within the men's basketball program.

Beyond his athletic and academic accomplishments, Sanderson is recognized for his integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Whether mentoring teammates, fostering a culture of accountability, or serving his church and local community, he consistently leads by example. Respected by coaches, teammates, and faculty alike, Sanderson embodies the academic achievement, character, and leadership celebrated by the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award.

As the Heart of America Athletic Conference recipient, Josh Sanderson will represent the conference as its nominee for the corresponding NAIA national award, with national recipients to be announced by the NAIA at a later date.

More information on NAIA Awards can be found here.