2026 Marlon Johnson Award of Excellence Recipient
2026 winner Cecilia Klein presented by Adam Beamer
The following speech was made by 2025 Marlon Johnson Award winner, Mia Weaver, as she announced the 2026 Marlon Award of Excellence for a Player.
Hi everyone! My name is Mia Weaver and I have the honor of announcing this year’s
Marlon Johnson award winner. This award recognizes individuals that demonstrate a
strong commitment to excellence through their character and actions. It is defined by
the intangible qualities that a person possesses and uses to inspire those around them.
This award honors somebody who has unwavering persistence in everything they do
and who pushes themselves in the right direction—even when it’s not the popular one.
The player receiving this award, immediately stands out as someone who embodies
these characteristics through her spirit. She is authentic in who she is, bringing a
personality that is passionate, driven, genuine, and even goofy at times to the gym. She
is confident, unafraid to make her voice heard, and upon meeting her, the impact of her
vibrant character can instantly be felt.
This player is a selfless and outgoing teammate. She has a positive and bright presence
both on and off the court that is constantly noticed by teammates and coaches.
In addition to her friendliness and strong spirit, this person is also a force on the court.
She is extremely competitive, highly coachable, and gives 100% effort in everything she
does. She works hard to make herself and her teammates better, and in doing so, sets
an example to those around her. It is through this determination and accountability that
she demonstrates strong leadership as well.
This player has been a part of the club for six years. Over that time, she’s become an
important part of the culture — not only because of how she plays, but because of the
way she treats people. She has a gift for connecting with others, making people feel
welcome, and building relationships across all ages, especially with younger
players—who she works with often at Little Spikers.
She is also someone who always has a story to share. No matter what the topic is, this
person can find a way to relate with a detailed and engaging explanation of something
she has experienced. While her stories often tend to be long, they are always
interesting and full of personality, keeping those around her entertained.
Her impact on this program goes far beyond volleyball, and the energy and positivity
she brings will not be forgotten. Next year, she will continue both her academic and
volleyball career at Central College. So it is my pleasure to announce that this year’s
Marlon Johnson award winner is… Ceci Klein!!