North Carolina State University Athletics
Bush, Cox and Mitchell Named February Heart of the Pack Winners
3/5/2026 2:00:00 PM | Pack Athletics, Men's Soccer, Women's Basketball, Track
The Pack Performance group noted the following about this month's recipients:
Austin's work ethic, commitment, and daily approach in the classroom gives him great credibility and allows him to be a positive example. As a result, his leadership expands through a role of support toward his younger teammates, helping them understand the importance of showing up and utilizing the resources offered to them. Austin always brings a positive energy and is aware of how he can positively influence others that may be looking up to him.
Maddie consistently demonstrates all attributes of the Heart of the Pack criteria. While much of her impact is done behind the scenes in her day-to-day support of teammates, Maddie is willing to do whatever it takes to bring her team together. Her work ethic, character, resilience, confidence and care for others has fueled her leadership. As a member of the student-athlete advisory council, she has embraced leadership and service and takes her role seriously.
Iniyah exemplifies the Heart of the Pack through an attitude that is remarkably welcoming; she has truly never met a stranger and treats everyone she encounters with genuine kindness and thoughtfulness. She is often the first to volunteer for events and opportunities, showing a deep commitment to the Pack. Her belief in the goodness of others positions her well in being an invaluable teammate.
About the Heart of the Pack Award
The Heart of the Pack award recognizes those student- athletes who consistently demonstrate the TEAM criteria:
Teammate: exhibiting selfless sacrifice that benefits the team
Effort: showing up daily with determination and grit
Attitude: demonstrating a consistently positive attitude
Mindful: being insightful and open-minded
Student-athletes in every sport will be evaluated and nominated on a monthly basis. The voting will be made by Pack Performance, an interdisciplinary team that work collaboratively in the commitment toward the holistic development of student-athletes.
The team consists of professionals from strength and conditioning, academics, sports medicine, mental health and performance psychology, sports nutrition and student-athlete engagement and leadership.
The award is sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America. Modern Woodmen, a fraternal financial services organization offering life insurance protection for more than 140 years, was founded in 1883 to clear financial burdens – not trees. As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen's products and programs support financial security, quality family life and community impact – the common bonds that unite our members nationwide.
Players Mentioned
