The Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award, established by the MIAA, seeks to recognize a young MIAA administrator or coach who embodies the principles and core values of the MIAA and its membership – fair competition, academic success and service to others.
The award is named in honor of Jerry Hughes, the long-time University of Central Missouri Director of Athletics, who passed away in January 2023.
Like Jerry, this individual consistently makes a positive, lasting impact on the lives and experiences of student-athletes, coaches, fellow administrators, community members, and other institutional stakeholders. Selected by MIAA Athletic Directors, the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award will honor one young administrator or coach who best exemplifies the spirit of Jerry and his passion for making a difference in intercollegiate athletics at the institutional, conference, and national levels.
Nominees for the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award must fit under the follow criteria:
• This nominee must be 35 years of age or younger.
• The nominee cannot be currently serving as an AD or SWA.
• The nominee must be a full-time employee and have five years of service or less in his/her position
• Each nominees should consistently exhibit his/her commitment to the MIAA’s value statement – W.E. C.A.R.E (Wellness, Education, Compassion, Athletics, Respect, Engagement) – and demonstrate an exceptional work ethic as well as positive leadership and mentoring skills as shared by the nominator.
Timeline For Nominations & Selection:
• October/November — Nominations solicited from MIAA athletic departments (December 1 deadline)
• December —Nominee information collected and shared with MIAA ADs
• January — MIAA ADs meet at NCAA Convention to discuss nominees and select Rising Star Award winner
• February — Rising Star Award winner announced
• March — Rising Star Award winner recognized at the MIAA Basketball Championships
JERRY HUGHES RISING STAR AWARD WINNERS:
2025 —
Jessie Sotelo, Central Missouri
2024 —
Jeff Mason, Central Missouri