Valparaiso University football redshirt senior offensive lineman Tyler Eberhart (Barberton, Ohio / Barberton) has received recognition for his leadership as The Leadership Playbook recently named him the organization’s 2023-24 Collegiate Male Student-Athlete of the Year. The award is presented to an individual who exemplifies sportsmanship, positive leadership and good teamwork.

TheLeadershipPlaybook.com helps athletic departments and sports teams build stronger cultures by developing better teammates and more positive leaders. As part of the online curriculum, the program has hundreds of two-minute video lessons to increase a person’s leadership abilities and develop life skills.

The program was developed by Jamy Bechler, a former college basketball coach and high school athletic director. Bechler is now a professional speaker, leadership consultant, and host of the “Success is a Choice” podcast. He is also the author of seven books, including The Bus Trip and The Captain.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Tyler as a good example of what a student-athlete should be,” Bechler said. “Great teams have great teammates and though no leader is perfect, it’s awesome to be able to recognize student-athletes trying to have a positive influence on their teammates and friends. Deserving student-athletes from across the United States were nominated by their coaches, administrators, teammates, and in some cases, even competitors from other schools.”

Eberhart, a team captain and mechanical engineering major, started the Aug. 31 season opener at Youngstown State and suffered a season-ending injury. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the season, his leadership continued to make a positive impact on the program. He returns as a redshirt senior for the 2024 campaign.