Since 2005, the Missouri Valley Conference has presented the Spirit of The Valley Award to honor a student-athlete, coach or university administrator who exemplifies the spirit of the late John Sanders, former MVC assistant commissioner for operations. Criteria includes, but is not limited to, passion for the Conference, strong work ethic and sense of humor.

Annual Recipients
2005    Andi Myers (Indiana State)
2006    Bill Rowe (Missouri State)
2007    Mitch Holthus (MVC TV)
2008    Mike Reis (Southern Illinois)
2009    Johnny Overby (Missouri Valley Conference)
2010    Dr. Mary Jo Wynn (Missouri State)
2011    Dolph Pulliam (Drake)
2012    Daryl Buente (Evansville)
2013    Dave Snell, Bradley (administrator, radio voice)
2014    Bruce Rasmussen, Creighton (athletic director)
2015    Joe Dalfonso, Bradley (SID)
2016    Lois Patton, Evansville (administrator)
2017    Sr. Jean Dolores Schmidt, Loyola (chaplain)
2018    Maxine Day, MVC Staff
2019    Larry Cotlar, Drake (radio voice)
2020    Donna Taylor, Illinois State (administrator)
2021    none selected
2022    Tom Hitcho, Loyola (administrator)
2023    TBA in December 2023
2024    TBD