The MCLA Sophomore Johnny Rioux as the 2023 Division 1 Godekeraw award.
The Godekeraw Award is presented annually to a player in both MCLA Division I and II who excels on the field, in the classroom as well as having a strong community service component. It is the association’s most prestigious award.
Rioux, a faceoff specialist for the Spartans, won 83.8 percent of his faceoffs this spring along with three goals, leading Michigan State to its first appearance at the MCLA National Championships since 2019.
The Howell, Mich., native was named a first-team all-conference selection as well as earning Third Team All-America accolades this spring.
Rioux is pursuing a double-major in Biochemistry and Pre-Med and currently holds a 3.5 grade point average. He is a weekly volunteer at the Comfy Cozy Chemo project that works to provide comfort and aid to children who are going through chemotherapy treatments.
In addition, he volunteers at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor to provide physical therapy to patients recovering from trauma. Rioux is also an active youth lacrosse coach in the Metro-Detroit area.
“Johnny is an integral part of every game plan we had this year,” said Michigan State coach Matt Holtz. “His on-field performance earned him our team MVP along with conference and national honors.
“Johnny is also an incredible student. He plans on attending medical school and is well-positioned to be accepted at one of the best schools in the country. In support of his future career goals, Johnny also spends time in hospitals volunteering. I am very proud of him and all his accomplishments this year.”