Green Bay’s Nathan Halbach Collects Horizon League Sportsmanship Award

June 01

Rachel White

INDIANAPOLIS (June 1, 2026) – Green Bay swimming and diving senior Nathan Halbach has been named the recipient of our annual Horizon League Sportsmanship Award.

Major Voices:
Horizon League Commissioner Jill Bodensteiner

“We are extremely proud to recognize Nathan Halbach as the recipient of this year’s Sportsmanship Award. His leadership, commitment to serving others, and integrity reflect the very best of college athletics — and are traits that will serve Nathan for life!”

Sportsmanship Award Winner Nathan Halbach

“Receiving the Horizon League Sportsmanship Award is humbling, and I’m incredibly grateful. This recognition represents something much larger than just myself. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by teammates and coaches who have believed in me, pushed me, and helped me grow throughout my time here. Green Bay Athletics is so special in the fact that they’re not just focused on building strong athletes, they’re focused on building strong people beyond the sport. And to be part of a community that shows up for the university and supports the teams within it makes this all the more meaningful."

Green Bay Mark Murphy Endowed Director of Athletics Josh Moon

“Nate has been a tremendous leader in our university and athletics department during his time here. This award is another example of how well-rounded he is as a person and a leader. We are excited to watch him excel as he enters the workforce and are proud to now call him a Phoenix alum."

Green Bay Swimming and Diving Head Coach Alex Lewis

“Nathan exemplifies leadership, humility, and service. His commitment to others and the example he sets every day make him incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

Dig Deeper:

Halbach serves as captain of the Phoenix Swimming and Diving program, where he consistently leads by example. His leadership extends beyond performance, as he is often seen taking initiative in small but meaningful ways—such as picking up trash not only in his team’s space but also in shared areas during the Horizon League Championships.
Beyond athletics, Nathan is deeply engaged in community service throughout Green Bay.
- He volunteers with the Optimist Club, demonstrating his commitment to building a stronger local community.
- As a representative in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), he has contributed his time to organizations such as The Salvation Army, the Humane Society, and local homeless shelters, showing compassion and dedication to serving others.
In addition to his athletic and service commitments, Nathan serves as Student Body President at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.
- In this role, he represents the student body with integrity and works to create a positive and inclusive campus environment.
Halbach appeared on our Golden Hour podcast earlier this academic year to discuss his Life in the League.
The League’s Competition Cabinet selected the award winner.
The Horizon League Sportsmanship Award recognizes student-athletes or teams who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Sportsmanship is defined as behavior exhibited during competition by student-athletes based on values, respect and integrity.
2026 Sportsmanship Award Finalists
- Carl Gedlitschka, Cleveland State Men's Tennis
- Gabriella Tapp, Detroit Mercy Women's Golf
- Nathan Halbach, Green Bay Swimming & Diving
- Luke Shappell, IU Indianapolis Cross Country/Track & Field
- Aaron Franklin, Milwaukee Men's Basketball
- Meredith Goff, Northern Kentucky Track & Field
- Ella Shapiro, Oakland Women's Soccer
- Bella Hodges, Purdue Fort Wayne Cross Country/Track & Field
- Bailey Kuhns, RMU Women's Basketball
- Kennedy Dean, Youngstown State Softball