VERMILLION, S.D.—Monica Arens, a senior women's basketball player for the Coyotes, was selected as the 2021 Courage Award recipient in a digital version of The Charlies. The award recognizes a student-athlete who has overcome adversity or battled through unusual circumstances to achieve success.
 
Arens is the second women's basketball player to receive the honor in the last five years, joining her older sister Bridget Arens.
 
"For the first three seasons of her career, Monica was our leader in our team's toughness with the way she rebounded, defended and especially by taking charges," said Coyote women's basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit. "She exemplified this toughness for us on a daily basis. This year, Monica suffered a season-ending knee injury and Monica then had to demonstrate her toughness and her selflessness in new ways. Monica encouraged her teammates, she helped coach from the sidelines, she helped the managers move balls, cones for drills, etc. Basically, she found ways to help grow our program rather than to focus on what she was going through.
 
"Monica is so deserving of this courage award. Congratulations Monica! We thank you for all that you have done for our program and we love you!"
 
Arens was an all-Summit League preseason pick in 2020, but missed the season due to her injury. She scored more than 600 points and grabbed 300 rebounds in her career. She also led the team in charges taken during her time as a Coyote.
 
Courage Award recipients:
2021: Monica Arens, basketball
2020: Kenneth McMahan, track and field; Julia Hall, golf
2019: Brook Benes, triathlon; Isaac Morris, swimming and diving
2018: Kaleb Ellis, track and field
2017: Bridget Arens, basketball
2016: Nicole Schmidt, cross country/track and field
2015: Maggie Smith, swimming and diving
2014: Dustin Gens, swimming and diving; Hannah Veselik, swimming and diving
2013: not presented
2012: not presented
2011: Kelsey Robish, cross country; Eddie Niyonizigiye, cross country
2010: Thad Stoddard, swimming and diving
2009: Tyler Spease, football; Jenna Hatfield, volleyball
2008: Jill Smolczyk, swimming and diving
2007: Terry Liggins, track and field; Ashley Robinette, basketball; Ashley Weyers, softball
2006: Ashley Robinette, basketball