HELENA, Mont. — The Frontier Conference has announced that Elizabeth Heuiser, a standout student-athlete from Carroll College, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Frontier Conference Grit Award for Volleyball. The award, sponsored by the Montana Army National Guard, recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary perseverance, mental toughness, and integrity both on and off the field.

The Grit Award embodies the Montana Army National Guard values of resilience, service, discipline, and teamwork, celebrating individuals who rise above adversity and inspire others through their leadership.

Heuiser, a senior nursing major from Helena, has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her collegiate career. After earning All-American honors during her sophomore year, she began experiencing debilitating joint pain, swelling, and skin rashes. After a long and difficult medical journey involving numerous doctors, she was eventually diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in April 2024.

Despite being told she might never compete again, Heuiser remained a steadfast leader for her team, coaching and traveling with them during a medical redshirt season. Through intense physical therapy and willpower, she returned to the court in the fall of 2024, earning Second Team All-Frontier Conference honors. Her perseverance was tested again in 2025 when she required an emergency appendectomy mid-season; however, she returned to the court in just three weeks to finish her final season.

In addition to her athletic comeback, Heuiser has maintained a 3.9 grade point average (GPA) in Carroll College's rigorous nursing program. Her coaches and instructors describe her as a "warrior" and a "natural leader" who models professionalism and integrity.

"Elizabeth exemplifies grit in its truest form," said Andi Michalson, DPT. "Her ability to endure, adapt, and continue leading by example makes her an outstanding candidate for the National Guard Grit Award."

Heuiser concluded her final season as a 2nd Team All-Frontier Conference selection and was voted Most Valuable Player by her teammates. She plans to carry the lessons of grace and kindness she has learned into her future career as a nurse.

Sponsored by the Montana Army National Guard, the Grit Award honors student-athletes who embody the Guard's spirit by overcoming personal or athletic challenges, leading through hardship, and showing relentless dedication to their team and community.

For more information about the Montana Army National Guard, please visit https://montanaguard.gov/.