LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – Former UNLV linebacker Jackson Woodard became the first Rebel student-athlete and first football player from any school to earn the Mountain West's Hal K. Rothman Sportsmanship Award, the league announced Monday.
 
The honor, which is not awarded annually, was established in 2006 and renamed in honor of UNLV's late faculty athletics representative Hal Rothman in 2007. It is presented to a student-athlete in a MW-sponsored sport who has distinguished himself or herself through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. The student-athlete also must demonstrate good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting and be in good academic standing.
 
New Mexico swimmer Katy McCarter was also named a recipient for the 2024-25 campaign. McCarter and Woodard were selected by the MW Recognition Committee, which is made up of athletics directors, senior woman administrators and faculty athletics representatives from around the league.
 
"Jackson Woodard was known for his tremendous leadership both on and off the field for the Rebels," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "His character, drive and talent combined to allow him and his team to accomplish great things. As he now sets out to make his mark in the NFL, we continue to appreciate his contributions to our program and the first-class way he handled all aspects of his collegiate career. This honor is even more special considering that it's named after a beloved former UNLV faculty member. Congratulations to both Jackson and Katy."
 
Woodard, who is currently in training camp with the Houston Texans, was already the most decorated football player in program history, earning All-America status athletically, academically and for his community service. The 2024 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year was one of just 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy and received an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Class.
 
The native of Little Rock, Arkansas, started his senior season by being named national defensive player of the week by both Walter Camp and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy after his performance in an opening win at Houston. He tied a school record by winning MW Defensive Player of the Week three times last fall. The two-time team captain was also on the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy and the team's nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team for his work off the field. He was also one of 20 semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
 
Woodard graduated with bachelor's degree in May 2024 after maintaining a 3.77 GPA in kinesiology. A vocal leader in the locker room and on the sideline, Woodard also led by example, showing up first to meetings and leaving the weight room last, as well as holding younger players to the same standards and mentoring them. Opposing coaches and officials routinely lauded his respectful demeanor, whether it was congratulating an opponent after a tough loss, helping a fallen player get up, celebrating a teammate's success or picking up flags.
 
ALL-TIME HAL K. ROTHMAN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS
2024-25: Jackson Woodard, Football, UNLV and Katy McCarter, Swimming & Diving, New Mexico
2023-24: Habtom Samuel, Men's Track & Field, New Mexico
2013-14: Chari Hawkins, Women's Track & Field, Utah State
2012-13: William Kent, Men's Track & Field, Air Force
2011-12: Dalton Boatright, Men's Fencing, Air Force
2010-11: Daniel Trapani, Men's Fencing, Air Force
2008-09: Erin Lorenzen, Rifle, TCU
2007-08: Peter French, Men's Fencing, Air Force
2006-07: Kevin Bretting, Men's Swimming & Diving, Wyoming
2005-06: Katie Battazzo, Women's Soccer, Utah