INDIANAPOLIS – Saint Anselm College is a finalist for the 2022 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence, an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership.

In late August, Saint Anselm welcomed Liam Bascle, a seven-year-old from Bedford, N.H., to the Saint Anselm men's soccer team through a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the brain, Liam grew to love the game of soccer through his father. His biggest wish was to play soccer and score a goal.

With the help of Head Coach Bruno Victal and the Hawks, Liam signed a National Letter of Intent, took a tour of the Hawks locker room, and scored a goal at Melucci Field, the home of Saint Anselm men's soccer.

Hundreds of Anselmians also came out to welcome Liam to the team, and most importantly, to the Saint Anselm community. Liam passed away on Nov. 23 with his family at his side after a long and courageous battle.

Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year's finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selects the winner, who will be announced at the Division II business session Jan. 22 at the 2022 NCAA Convention.

Each finalist will receive $500. In addition, the winner will receive $2,500, the first runner-up will receive $1,250 and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.

Donations in Liam's memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire at the following link: https://wish.org/nh