The University of Central Missouri’s January Athletes of the Month are senior Jadyn Sheffield of Jennies Softball and redshirt sophomore Keyon Butler of Mules Football. According to their coaches, they are both strong leaders and talented students at UCM.
“I always loved softball,” Sheffield said. “I loved the passion and being able to strive for something that was going to grow me in the long run. And so throughout high school and club ball, I continue to have that spark and continue to grow that passion and I’m just thankful for the opportunity the University of Central Missouri gave me.”
Sheffield is a utility player for UCM. She has a passion for situational plays, as her favorite aspects of practice are defense, ground balls, footwork drills and relays. She won the Gold Glove Award in 2025, a prestigious national award recognizing the top defensive softball players in collegiate softball, including NCAA Division II. Off the field, Sheffield earned her undergraduate degree in business management and is currently finishing her master’s degree in business marketing through online courses.
“Jadyn Sheffield is a joy and light in everybody’s world. She is a true leader and brings energy. She uplifts her teammates and is very inspirational for all of us. She never takes a day off. Will always practice just like it’s a game, she pushes other teammates to be better,” said Head Softball Coach Susan Anderson.
Anderson admires Sheffield for her leadership and dedication, seeing her growth and impact on the team. According to Anderson, as the softball team begins practicing and playing on the softball field, Sheffield’s experience, energy and consistency continue to set the tone for the team both on and off the field.
“To future softball players, enjoy the small moments,” Sheffield said. “Sometimes people get wrapped up in big trophies and big wins, but it’s really about the grind and hard work that you put in and the energy that comes alongside that. I have found joy in coming to practice, experiencing sunshine and just bettering my skill set, emotionally, physically, mentally, all those things come into play. It’s been nice to just grow and learn and walk alongside my teammates through the past four years.”
As for the other Athlete of the Month, running back Butler shares how football affected his life.
“The sport itself has just done so much for me,” Butler said. “Being from Texas, it’s like you’re born with a football in your hand. So it’s definitely a big part of who I am and the man that I’ve become, and I’m trying to grow to be. At some point in my life, I will definitely get back into coaching and just give the sport everything that I’ve received from it, just because it’s done wonders in my life.”
According to Head Football Coach Josh Lamberson, Butler started out as an immature freshman who had a lot to learn. Keyon used to be the athlete who believed that being the loudest person in the room meant being the smartest or the most liked. Later on, Keyon grew not just on the field, but mentally and spiritually, and in a development displayed throughout his freshman year to today.
“Keyon’s energy that he puts off has power and that can impact so many people around him,” Lamberson said. “And now he has really harnessed those three things for the betterment of himself, but for the betterment of the people that are around him. And that’s why I’m so proud of Keyon.”
As Butler pursues his major in cybersecurity, he continues to work hard and reach his goals as an athlete and college student. Butler feels he has taken control of his life on the field and off and is ready for whatever the future holds for him.
“Trust in the Lord, I wouldn’t be here without him,” Butler said. “I wouldn’t be here without everything he’s done in my life, even when I didn’t know him, I didn’t realize that he was doing wonders and doing things behind the scenes that I couldn’t even fathom. So put your trust in him. Put your head down and work. Because if you do that, nothing stops you, man.”
