Green Bay’s Nathan Halbach Collects Horizon League Sportsmanship Award
Rachel White
INDIANAPOLIS (June 1, 2026) – Green Bay swimming and diving senior Nathan Halbach has been named the recipient of our annual Horizon League Sportsmanship Award.
Major Voices:
Horizon League Commissioner Jill Bodensteiner
- “We are extremely proud to recognize Nathan Halbach as the recipient of this year’s Sportsmanship Award. His leadership, commitment to serving others, and integrity reflect the very best of college athletics — and are traits that will serve Nathan for life!”
Sportsmanship Award Winner Nathan Halbach
- “Receiving the Horizon League Sportsmanship Award is humbling, and I’m extremely grateful. This recognition represents one thing a lot bigger than simply myself. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by teammates and coaches who’ve believed in me, pushed me, and helped me develop all through my time right here. Green Bay Athletics is so particular in the truth that they’re not simply targeted on constructing robust athletes, they’re targeted on constructing robust folks past the game. And to be a part of a group that reveals up for the college and helps the groups inside it makes this all of the extra significant.”
Green Bay Mark Murphy Endowed Director of Athletics Josh Moon
- “Nate has been an incredible chief in our college and athletics division throughout his time right here. This award is one other instance of how well-rounded he’s as an individual and a pacesetter. We are excited to observe him excel as he enters the workforce and are proud to now name him a Phoenix alum.”
Green Bay Swimming and Diving Head Coach Alex Lewis
- “Nathan exemplifies leadership, humility, and service. His commitment to others and the example he sets every day make him incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
Dig Deeper:
- Halbach serves as captain of the Phoenix Swimming and Diving program, the place he constantly leads by instance. His management extends past efficiency, as he’s typically seen taking initiative in small however significant methods—resembling choosing up trash not solely in his workforce’s house but additionally in shared areas through the Horizon League Championships.
- Beyond athletics, Nathan is deeply engaged in group service all through Green Bay.
- He volunteers with the Optimist Club, demonstrating his dedication to constructing a stronger local people.
- As a consultant within the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), he has contributed his time to organizations resembling The Salvation Army, the Humane Society, and native homeless shelters, exhibiting compassion and dedication to serving others.
- In addition to his athletic and repair commitments, Nathan serves as Student Body President on the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
- In this function, he represents the coed physique with integrity and works to create a constructive and inclusive campus surroundings.
- Halbach appeared on our Golden Hour podcast earlier this educational 12 months to debate his Life within the League.
- The League’s Competition Cabinet chosen the award winner.
- The Horizon League Sportsmanship Award acknowledges student-athletes or groups who’ve distinguished themselves by way of demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and moral habits.
- Sportsmanship is outlined as habits exhibited throughout competitors by student-athletes based mostly on values, respect and integrity.
- 2026 Sportsmanship Award Finalists
- Carl Gedlitschka, Cleveland State Men’s Tennis
- Gabriella Tapp, Detroit Mercy Women’s Golf
- Nathan Halbach, Green Bay Swimming & Diving
- Luke Shappell, IU Indianapolis Cross Country/Track & Field
- Aaron Franklin, Milwaukee Men’s Basketball
- Meredith Goff, Northern Kentucky Track & Field
- Ella Shapiro, Oakland Women’s Soccer
- Bella Hodges, Purdue Fort Wayne Cross Country/Track & Field
- Bailey Kuhns, RMU Women’s Basketball
- Kennedy Dean, Youngstown State Softball