By Victoria Kuntz
Price Peden '21 remembers the day he visited UMHB to check out the soccer program. He noticed a different culture in the program than all the other universities he had visited. The coaches emphasized not only the athletic growth of each player but their spiritual growth as well. After choosing to make UMHB his place of study, Price played soccer all four years as a defender and forward, helping the Cru claim the American Southwest Conference championship title in 2018 and the regular-season title in 2021.
"It was truly a blessing to grow spiritually with my teammates throughout my four-year career as a soccer player at UMHB," said Price, a native of Flower Mound.
His desire to make a difference didn't end when he stepped off the soccer field. Price served in numerous campus and community organizations, including Feed My Sheep, Love of Christ Food Pantry, Temple Baptist Church, and a local middle school student mentorship program. On campus, he helped with the Easter Pageant, Soccer Kids' Camps, and Champs Day events. He also assisted the university's Alumni Engagement office as a member of Student Foundation and served as a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Because of his involvement, strong faith and high GPA, the American Southwest Conference awarded him two prestigious awards: the 2021-22 ASC Community Service Men's Athlete of the Year and the inaugural ASC Man of the Year.
The new ASC Man of the Year award is presented to a graduating student-athlete who has distinguished himself throughout his collegiate career in academic achievement, athletics excellence, community and campus service and leadership. Selected by the Council of Senior Woman Administrators, the Man and Woman of the Year awards are among the highest individual honors presented to a student in the conference.
Price attributes all his accomplishments to the Lord for leading him toward those who have pushed him to be the man God wants him to be. He thanks his parents, coaches and teammates for being great role models and guiding him spiritually.
"I am truly thankful for their role in developing me as a soccer player and a great future husband, father and boss," said Price.
He also thanks his teammates for always being there for him and for the opportunity to grow with them. He says being with them helped him push through and gain the right mindset.
"These awards are not possible without my brothers because they are the ones who taught me to be selfless and to want to be the best for those around me," he said.
Price, who graduated magna cum laude in May 2021, is now studying to get his MBA in finance at UMHB. He praised his professors and others who helped him throughout his undergraduate journey.
"I am truly grateful for what UMHB has done for me spiritually, physically, and mentally as a man of God, and I look forward to seeing how the university will continue to change people's lives for Christ.”
