MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior men's soccer player Noah Malcook has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award.
A native of Fitchburg, Wis. (Oregon), Malcook carries a 3.92 grade point average while majoring in business finance. He has earned a spot on UW-Eau Claire's Dean's List numerous semesters and is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Malcook was also named to the College Sports Communicators NCAA Division III Academic All-District® Men's Soccer First Team in both 2024 and 2025.
On the field, Malcook has established himself as one of the top players in Blugold men's soccer history. He is a three-time All-WIAC First Team selection (2024, 2025, 2026), becoming one of just two players in program history to earn the honor three times. He has also served as a team captain in 2025 and 2026, helping UW-Eau Claire capture consecutive WIAC regular-season and tournament championships in 2024 and 2025. Malcook has competed in three NCAA Tournaments during his career.
Beyond academics and athletics, Malcook is involved with UW-Eau Claire's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He also completed a special projects internship this past summer.
Also nominated for the 2026 WIAC Men's Soccer Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award were Justin Williams of UW-Platteville, Sorel Richardson of UW-River Falls and Mason Diercks of UW-Whitewater.
The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named in honor of Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference for 22 years from 1971-93. During his tenure, he oversaw the conference's transition from NAIA to full NCAA membership. Sparger also served UW-Stout in several roles, including assistant football and basketball coach, head wrestling coach, head football coach and athletics director.
To qualify for a WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award nomination, student-athletes must hold a minimum 3.50 GPA, be in their final year of competition or scheduled to graduate during the academic year, and have competed for at least two years. Award recipients are selected based on academic achievement, athletic accomplishments and involvement in campus activities, organizations and community service.
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