ST. LOUIS – Senior Alyssa Brand (Skokie, Ill.) of the Drake University women's soccer team is one of this week's featured student-athletes in the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, the MVC announced Wednesday, Sept. 19. Brand is joined by Rafael Mentzingen of the Valparaiso University men's soccer team in being recognized by The Valley.
 
To qualify for the MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes are evaluated on their campus involvement and community service.
 
Brand is a three-time All-MVC honoree, including claiming back-to-back second team awards, and a two-time MVC Player of the Week winner. She has played in 57 career matches with 47 starts and scored 13 goals and handed out seven assists. Her goal total is ranked 10^th all-time in program history.
 
Brand has volunteered with various organizations in Des Moines and on the Drake campus, including Combat Hunger, Courage League Sports, Meals for the Heartland and the Joppa House. On campus, Brand is involved with the Drake Investment Club and Alpha Phi Omega.
 
An excellent student, Brand holds a 3.71 cumulative grade point average in finance and marketing.