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Michigan State’s Isaac Howard Wins Prestigious Global Award for Excellence in Athletics and Leadership
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University’s Isaac Howard has earned one of the highest honors available to a collegiate athlete: the Global Sports Leadership Award. The announcement came Monday morning, sending waves of pride through the Spartan community as the hockey standout was recognized for both his on-ice dominance and off-ice contributions to leadership and community service.
Howard, a forward for the Spartans men’s hockey team, has long been regarded as a rising star in college hockey. But this award, issued annually by the International Sports Excellence Council (ISEC), honors more than athletic ability. It recognizes individuals who embody global citizenship, exhibit outstanding leadership, and inspire positive change through sport.
“It’s incredibly humbling,” said Howard in a press release issued by Michigan State. “To be recognized not just for what I do on the ice, but for who I try to be as a person and teammate—it means the world. I’m proud to represent Michigan State and the Spartan hockey family on this global stage.”
Originally from Hudson, Wisconsin, Howard transferred to Michigan State after starting his college career at Minnesota-Duluth. The former U.S. National Team Development Program standout made an immediate impact in East Lansing, bringing a blend of speed, skill, and maturity that helped propel the Spartans to one of their strongest seasons in recent memory.
This past season, Howard led Michigan State in scoring with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. But beyond statistics, coaches and teammates say it’s his demeanor and work ethic that truly set him apart.
“He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” said head coach Adam Nightingale. “He brings a quiet confidence, holds himself accountable, and gives back to the community. He’s everything you want in a student-athlete.”
Indeed, Howard has become a fixture in the East Lansing area—not just at Munn Ice Arena, but in local schools, youth hockey clinics, and charitable events. He helped organize a fundraiser for children’s cancer research and routinely volunteers with Spartan Outreach, a student-athlete-led service organization.
The ISEC specifically cited Howard’s community involvement, leadership on diversity and inclusion panels, and mentorship of younger athletes as key reasons for his selection.
“This year’s Global Sports Leadership Award goes to someone who doesn’t just wear a jersey, but wears his values with pride,” the committee said in a statement. “Isaac Howard exemplifies what it means to be a global ambassador for sport.”
The award will be presented at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland this August, where Howard will also have the opportunity to speak to youth athletes from around the world about the power of sports to unify and uplift communities.
With one more year of eligibility, Howard has already announced his intention to return to Michigan State for the 2025-26 season, making Spartan fans hopeful for another deep postseason run—and perhaps even more off-ice accolades.
“Winning this award is just the beginning,” Howard said. “There’s still so much more to accomplish, and I can’t wait to do it with this team and this school.”
