DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University women's soccer team has been named as the Mid-American Conference's Give Back Leadership Award recipient for the week of October 5-9, as announced by the league office. The award is based upon the activities of the program over the last three weeks. 

During that time period, the Huskie women's soccer team has been involved in a number of social justice programs and initiatives within the NIU community, including leading peaceful protests and demonstrations in support of the NIU Center for Black Studies. 

Other team initiatives have included team anti-racism meetings that have included documentaries and discussion, the formation of a team social justice council that meets weekly and a curriculum of "30 days, 30 ways to be a better ally." 

Along with the programs created within their own team, NIU women's soccer has also played a significant role in social justice programs throughout NIU Athletics, including the creation and implementation of anti-racism social media campaigns and helping to organize a student-athlete led diversity and inclusion rally.