Men's Golfer Earns National Award

Marshall, Mo., (May 18, 2026)- A Missouri Valley College men's golf student-athlete has been named the recipient of the 2026 NAIA Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award for his play during the season. 

Freshman Felipe Suarez (Cordoba, Argentina) was named the 2026 NAIA Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award winner.  Suarez led the team in the National Tournament, with scores of +4 (74), +5 (75) and -1 (69) to finish with a total score of +8 (292) to place at No. 14 in the standings.  Suarez is the first Missouri Valley golfer to earn this award.

Suarez had an outstanding season, as he was named both the Heart Men's Golf Player of the Year and the Heart Men's Golf Freshman of the Year for his play during the season and at the conference championship tournament.  Suarez won the Heart Championship as an individual by four strokes, finishing the tournament at -10 (206).  He also was named the Heart Men's Golfer of the Week five times, and was named the NAIA Men's Golfer of the Week twice. 

The Viking men's golf team ends one of the most successful seasons in program-history, placing No. 14 overall at the National championship.

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.