ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Curt and Dianne Coonrod know a thing or two about UMSL athletics.

They certinly know how to showcase their generosity to the UMSL athletics department and its players.

The Coonrods were on hand Friday to present senior and 2020 GLVC Player of the Year, Charlotte Richards, with the first scholarship in the Coonrods name.

Richards was the recipient of $2,500, and the senior volleyball standout will graduate in December with a bachelor's in supply chain management.

The Coonrods are more than just fans. They are a part of the Triton Family. Curt started working for UMSL as an admissions counselor in 1983.

Curt rose to the rank of Vice Provost for Student Affairs and oversaw UMSL Athletics.

He recently was named the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Alumni Engagement. The title change is fitting as Curt, Dianne, and their two Shih Tzus are known and beloved by many UMSL alums.

Curt and Dianne are passionate about UMSL students and their stories.

The couple decided to directly impact a student-athlete starting this year by donating the Curt and Dianne Coonrod Annual Athletic Scholarship.