Annual Service Awards Named in Honor of Wanda Bodey
Bodey is the longest-tenured employee of the NJCAA National Office and has been recognized numerous times for her service to the association and its members
Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is proud to announce that the annual service awards presented during the NJCAA Convention are being named the Wanda Bodey Service Awards. Each year, the NJCAA recognizes individuals within the association for their years of contributions to the NJCAA on a national level. This service includes, but is not limited to, participation on sport committees, region leadership, coaches' association leadership, the Board of Regents, and more.
Bodey joined the NJCAA National Office in 1994 as an administrative assistant and has progressed to her current role as Senior Director for Compliance and Eligibility. Bodey helps oversee NJCAA member college eligibility and letter of intent systems. In addition, Bodey supports the executive committee, eligibility committee, region directors, and assistant regional directors on daily initiatives.
"Wanda Bodey's legacy is one of service, leadership, and heart," NJCAA Chief Legal Officer & Sr. Vice President - Internal Affairs, Jeff White, shared. "Naming the NJCAA Service Awards in her honor ensures that her example will continue to inspire future leaders of the NJCAA." 
In 2025, Bodey was presented the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award, which is the longest-standing honor handed out by the NJCAA. The Leicht Service Award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level for an extended period of time. Bodey was previously honored as the 2023-24 President's Award recipient, recognizing an NJCAA national office staff member for their achievements and exemplifying the values of the association.
At the 2026 NJCAA Convention presented by Nufabrx, 27 individuals were recognized for between five and 25 years of service to the NJCAA. The list of this year's honorees is as follows:
5 Years
Katelyn Amundson
Sander Atkinson
Steve Barlow
Dee Brown
Arnie Chavera
Deron Clark
Kelly Dunbar
Matt King
Hayley Kobza
Troy Larson
Samantha Lowder
Jerry McCarty
Melissa Miller
Winston Neal
Seamus Reilly
Lana Ross
Roderick Stubbs
Shawn Trochim
10 Years
Rick Hitt
Brett Monaghan
Doug Spiwak
15 Years
Michelle Ivey
20 Years
Lind Hartsell
Darren Pannier
Jack Sullivan
25 Years
Tim Drain
Tommy Stewart
About NJCAA
Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals.
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