LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East has announced its Male and Female Senior Student Athletes of the Year for the 2022-23 academic year. Kendis Butler of the Penn State Harrisburg women’s basketball team and Andrew Zentner of the Lancaster Bible College men’s basketball team have both earned the honor.

These two student-athletes were chosen from the pool of 14 Senior Scholar Athletes which were determined throughout this school year. Each nominee demonstrated excellence in their respective sports, in the classroom and around their community.

Butler and Zentner will also represent the United East as nominees for the Regional and National Athletes of the Year awards which are presented by the Division III Commissioners Association.

Kendis Butler


 

If there is an event taking place on or around the Penn State Harrisburg campus, there are pretty solid odds that Butler is taking part in it. The senior has pitched in on numerous community service projects in her time as a Lion most recently aiding with the housing of a refugee family that had fled Ukraine this year. Butler has also made an effort to visit local grade schools to participate in Read Across America Day. On campus, Butler is the current Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President as well as a member of the Harrisburg Sports Information Staff.

“Kendis’ college journey is a career story of the PRIDE, SPIRIT, and HONOR that represents Penn State Harrisburg Athletics,” said Ross Patrick, Head Coach of the Harrisburg women’s basketball team. “PRIDE in the legacy impact she leaves as one of the nation's top 3-point shooters, a SPIRIT that will live on in the lives she has impacted on and off the court, HONOR in the forever bonds between teammates, our campus, and United East conference community.  We should all celebrate the great example Kendis displays of how the co-existence of student-athlete and time management can create significant impacts on your team, campus, and local communities.”

In the classroom, the York, Pa. native has maintained a GPA of 3.96 while majoring in Communication and minoring in American Studies. Over her four years, she was tabbed to the All-Academic Team by the conference four times and most recently earned a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District nod in 2023.

Perhaps her most impressive accomplishments came on the basketball court. The three time All-Conference recipient has prided herself on her 3-ball as her 295 made 3-pointers across her career leads all active Division III players. The guard has rewrote the program history books as well, most notably becoming the all-time leading scorer in January (1,277 points). This past January, Butler was also named as one of 10 finalists across Division III for the Jostens Trophy which is awarded to a women's basketball player who exudes basketball ability, academic prowess, and service to one's surrounding communities.

"We couldn't be more excited that Kendis has been named the United East Senior Athlete of the Year,” remarked Harrisburg Director of Athletics, Rahsaan Carlton. “Since the very day she set foot on campus, she has been nothing but the epitome of a student athlete.  She is truly deserving of this extraordinary honor."  

Andrew Zentner


 

Described as humble and passionate in every aspect by his coach, Zentner has found success on and off the court throughout his time as a Charger. The Morgantown, Pa. native was a force in the paint for the Chargers, averaging 10.6 points-per-game and 6.6 rebounds-per-game. Over that span, the forward also racked up 100 blocks despite overcoming a season-ending injury in 2021-22. Most recently, Zentner was named to the All-Conference Second Team in 2023. 

“This award is truly a by-product of the high standard Andrew holds himself to as a person and student-athlete in pursuit to impact others for Christ,” stated Jon Mack, Head Coach of the Lancaster Bible men’s basketball team. “Andrew is one of the most selfless and caring people I have ever coached who happens to play basketball.  This award reflects a lifetime of impact and investment from his parents, (Ben and Ruth) and many others who have poured into Andrew’s life. Our program is just the beneficiary of the shoulders he stands on. We are very proud and  grateful for the legacy and eternal impact Andrew leaves behind as a person, student-athlete, and teammate.” 

Off the court, Zentner has performed just as well as he carries a 3.84 GPA in Criminal Justice. His efforts led to him earning the Elite 14 award this winter, which is given to the player at the championship site with the highest GPA. 

Some of his most noteworthy accomplishments came in the community though. Zentner volunteers his time all over the place including an organization called Crossnet in which he meets with kids who may be struggling with things in their lives. He also has participated in the “Hope.Inspire.Love” initiative which deals with the problems of human trafficking and Fellowship of Christian Athletes which organizes youth summer camps for young athletes. The LBC graduate was sworn into Police Academy boot camp where he will train to become a police officer as well.

“We are so excited for Andrew,” said Lancaster Bible Director of Athletics, Rod Baughman. “He certainly has worked hard in the classroom during his time as a student-athlete here at Lancaster Bible College, but it truly is the way he cares for the people around him that set him apart.  His investment in the lives of his teammates, the coaching staff, and of student’s in our campus community is where his impact is most felt.  Congrats Andrew!”

 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram - gounitedeast  |  Twitter - @GoUnitedEast

******************************************************************************************************************************************

The United East has nine NCAA Division III member institutions which include: Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Morrisville State, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wells College. The United East also includes three associate members in the sport of men’s golf including Clarks Summit University, Rosemont College, Rutgers University – Camden and Wilson College. Clarks Summit University is also an associate member in the sport of men’s tennis. The United East has also partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the sports of men's and women's lacrosse. For more information, please visit: gounitedeast.com