UOlivet’s McLeod receives MIAA Senior Sportsman of the Year award

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Senior Darren McLeod from The University of Olivet wrestling team has been named the 2026 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Senior Sportsman of the Year. This award is presented to the top senior who best exemplifies the multi-dimensional traits of a MIAA and Division III student-athlete. The criteria for this award includes grade-point average, extracurricular activities, community service, and athletics.

On the mat, McLeod serves as a team captain and wrestles in the 157-pound weight class. He currently boasts a 21-12 record this season, earning bonus points in 20 of his victories, including six pins and six technical falls.

In the classroom, McLeod maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average as a double major in finance and accounting. He is a three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll selection and two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American. He has been on the UOlivet President's and Dean's Lists every semester and is also a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award.

Beyond athletics and academics, McLeod serves as president of Phi Beta Lambda and the Accounting Student Organization, and vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Global Citizen's Honors Program, and a graduate of the President's Leadership Institute. McLeod has also spent the last three years as a volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, assisting low-income individuals and families prepare and file tax returns.

"Darren became a leader very early in his time at UOlivet," said Olivet head coach Brandon Brissette. "Not just in wrestling, but in clubs, his accounting field, and even the overall university through the President Leadership Institute. This is because of his ability to get initiatives moving, keep on task, and consistently give of his time."

"After having his junior season of competition ended early because of an injury, he still made it to every practice and meet, and made sure he took on a roll like filming or being with a guy during a weight cut. He has made so many student organizations better and even his major by providing through full insights and by seeing initiatives through. He did all of this while maintaining a perfect grade point average. We are very proud of him and know how deserving of this award he is."