Olivia Pratapas, Isaac Trumble, and Will Wilson have been recognized as the September 2025 recipients of the Heart of the Pack award, according to an announcement from the NC State Department of Athletics.
The Heart of the Pack award is given each month to student-athletes who exemplify key values such as teamwork, effort, attitude, and mindfulness. Recipients are selected by Pack Performance, a group composed of professionals from various areas including strength and conditioning, academics, sports medicine, mental health and performance psychology, sports nutrition, and student-athlete engagement and leadership.
Olivia Pratapas was noted for her leadership both on and off the field. According to Pack Performance: “Olivia Pratapas leads by example and her voice. The same attributes that make her a great leader as a goalie is what she brings every day. Everyone looks to her for her service and attitude. She consistently gives great effort and responds in the face of adversity. For a short time, she lost her starting job but never skipped a beat in terms of leadership and effort. She managed to not only get her starting role back but play at the highest level while being nominated captain and unofficial leader of her Pack.”
Isaac Trumble’s dedication was also highlighted: “It is very clear what type of person and teammate Isaac Trumble is for the wrestling team. He has to train at different times than the team on occasion, but he’s constantly giving 100% focus and intensity to improve himself to become the best, which can be difficult training alone. He also shows up to all assigned team training sessions, where he steps into more of a coaching role. He encourages his teammates to train hard and push themselves. He does this consistently regardless of the training location and it’s really fun to watch! He is great energy and positive attitude is contagious. He embodies the Heart of the Pack!”
Will Wilson was praised for his character: “Will Wilson is an excellent example of every wolf strengthens the pack. He truly embodies what it means to be a good teammate, someone with excellent character, and someone who has an incredible work ethic. Will got here in the spring as a freshman and is nothing but a joy in every room he walks into. He consistently puts in the work in the classroom, requesting additional tutoring when needed, and working ahead on Sundays so he has time during the week to be focused on football.”
The Heart of the Pack award is sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, which provides financial services such as life insurance protection across its nationwide membership base since its founding in 1883.
Student-athletes from all sports at NC State are eligible for nomination each month based on their demonstration of selfless teamwork, determination, positive attitude, and open-mindedness.
