Each year the USA South Athletic Conference presents its most prestigious awards by honoring one male and one female student-athlete. These student-athletes are recognized as recipients of the Don Scalf Award (male) and the Rita Wiggs Award (female). The 2026 Rita Wiggs Award winner is Piedmont University women's golfer, Erin Donovan, while the 2026 Don Scalf Award goes to Southern Virginia University baseball student-athlete, Zack Geertsen. Each honoree will be the Conference's nominee for the Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA) regional and national awards.
To be eligible for each award a student-athlete must have competed in a NCAA-sponsored sport, earned an undergraduate degree no later than the summer 2026 term and have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. The nominated athletes are evaluated on a specific rubric based on their undergraduate cumulative grade-point average, athletic accomplishments, service and leadership contributions, and finally a personal statement describing how their experiences as a student-athlete have influenced their life and empowered them to have a positive impact on the world.
Former USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs, a tireless advocate of women's collegiate athletics as well a constant encourager of service to one's community, was the USA South's first full-time Commissioner serving the League for 16 years. In the spring of 2016 she was inducted into the USA South Hall of Fame.
The late Don Scalf's commitment to the student-athlete, guardianship of the value of academic achievement and devotion to the principles of Division III athletics set a standard that holds steadfast in the Conference today. He taught for 36 years and coached for 18 at N.C. Wesleyan University. He also served as Athletic Director at N.C. Wesleyan for six years. During his coaching career his teams won Conference basketball and golf championships. In addition, he was a founding father of the League in 1963 and served as its Secretary-Treasurer for 25 years.
Rita Wiggs Award: Sydney Bassett - Southern Virginia University
Bassett, a key member of Knight volleyball squad for four seasons, becomes the second Southern Virginia student-athlete to earn the Wiggs Award, joining past teammate Emma Steiger who was honored in 2023. Bassett was a four-time All-Conference Team member, the 2021 USA South Rookie of the Year, and the 2024 USA South Player of the Year. She earned a spot on the All-League Tournament Team three times, including MVP honors this past season, while helping the Knights to three titles. In her senior campaign, Bassett was a First Team All-Region performer as well as an Honorable Mention All-American. Academically, Bassett accumulated a 3.92 cumulative GPA while majoring in Biochemistry. She was a four-time academic all-conference team member, an academic all-district honoree, and found herself on the SVU President's and Provost's Lists 11 times. Bassett helped her community by being a member of the Campus Beautification Committee, serving as church activity coordinator, packing and delivering Christmas baskets for families in need, as well as being a three-year team captain for the Knights.
What they are saying...
"I am incredibly honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Rita Wiggs Award. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and constant encouragement in everything I pursued. To my coaches, Debby and Jon—your guidance, dedication, and faith in me pushed me to grow not only as a student and volleyball player, but also as a person. To my teammates—thank you for being such a vital part of my journey. I’m lucky to have shared the court and so many memories with you. Finally, thank you to Southern Virginia University and the USA South Athletic Conference. Being a student-athlete has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. I know that my time as a student-athlete has prepared me not only to meet challenges with resilience, but to lead with purpose wherever life leads." - Sydney Bassett
"Winning the Rita Wiggs Award is a testament to Sydney’s incredible dedication, leadership, and commitment both on and off the court. She exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete — balancing academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership in our campus community. She is a shining example of the kind of leader we are proud to have representing Southern Virginia University." - Josh Monsen, Southern Virginia Director of Athletics
"I am so happy for Sydney, she is very deserving of this award. I am fortunate to have coached her and it has been an absolute joy to see her grow as a person. Sydney has been such a great leader for us and gave the team everything she had. Her leadership, compassion, and ability to make those around her better will continue to impact our program for years. I am proud of her for overcoming adversity with sheer determination, pushing through the tough times. It has been an amazing journey with Sydney. All of us that have had the opportunity to work with her are blessed to have had her as a part of our lives." - Debby Baker, Southern Virginia Head Women's Volleyball Coach
Don Scalf Award: Zack Geertsen - Southern Virginia University
Geertsen becomes the first Southern Virginia student-athlete to be named the Scalf Award winner. Geertsen was a key contributor for the Knight baseball squad during his time on campus. He appeared on the USA South All-Conference team in three seasons, earning accolades in two different positions each time. Geertsen was named First Team All-Conference as a designated hitter/utility player twice and a starting pitcher once. He also earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a starting pitcher twice and a designated hitter/utility player once. In addition, Geertsen earned USA South Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. On the regional stage, Geertsen collected All-Region honors three times, including being named the D3baseball.com Region 6 Rookie of the Year. Pulling double-duty, Geertsen concluded his career with a .380 batting average, 102 RBI, and 12 home runs while also adding 15 wins on the mound.
Academically, Geertsen compiled a 3.887 cumulative GPA while graduating Magna Cum Laude with degree in Business Management and Leadership. He appeared on the Provost's List six times, was a two time Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honoree, and earned USA South Academic All-Conference honors on three occasions.
In his community, Geertsen served as the Chief Operating Officer for the SVU Business Club, helping organize and support weekly events as part of the club’s leadership team. He also coordinated teammates to collect litter across local parks, riverfront areas, and trailheads. In addition, he tutored students in Mandarin Chinese and worked regularly with local high school athletes to develop their baseball skills.
What they are saying...
?????????????????????"I’m incredibly honored to receive the Don Scalf Award. This recognition reflects the support of my teammates, coaches, professors, and family who have shaped me both on and off the field. The award embodies everything I’ve strived for throughout my college journey, and it’s a reminder that hard work and strong character truly matter." - Tristen Melvin
?????????????????????????"We are extremely excited and honored that Tristen has been selected for the Don Scalf Award. Tristen had an amazing season and embodies all the great characteristics of an NCAA Division III student-athlete. He is a leader on our team and competes with class and at a high level on the field, in the classroom, and is very engaged in our campus community. We are very proud of Tristen and all that he has accomplished." - Dave Eavenson, Methodist Director of Athletics
???????????????????"Tristen has earned just about every award possible this year in college baseball. He was our team MVP, a First Team All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Conference Tournament MVP, All-American, Academic All-District, and Academic All-American. He was a great student in a tough major, Biology, and is the epitome of the student-athlete. Tristen is also a very mature young man who led by example. He worked hard to be better, and it paid off, while also making those around him improve. Winning the Don Scalf Award is the icing on the cake as Mr. Scalf was an outstanding individual who worked hard and gave of himself to his institution and the Conference. Tristen comes from the same mold and is a super selection for this honor." - Tom Austin, Methodist Head Baseball Coach
To view past Don Scalf and Rita Wiggs Award winners, click HERE.