DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Luke Barber and Anna Marisa Lara have been selected as the winners of the 2026-27 Steve & Vicky Ridder Scholarship.
A commitment to academic achievement, campus and community involvement, personal holistic growth and a drive to excel in sport exemplifies the spirit of Steve and Vicky Ridder and the scholarship that bears their names. The Steve and Vicky Ridder Endowed Scholarship was established by loyal Embry-Riddle Athletics supporters to honor the lasting impact of longtime Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Ridder and his wife, Vicky. Awarded annually through the generosity of donor support, the scholarship recognizes a student-athlete who best exemplifies the Athletics philosophy of Student. Person. Player.
Recipients are selected based on their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, character, campus and community involvement, personal growth, and success in competition. More than an athletic award, the scholarship celebrates student-athletes who set the standard for excellence in every aspect of the collegiate experience and embody the values that Steve and Vicky Ridder have championed throughout their lives.
Barber and Lara were selected from a group of current Embry-Riddle student-athletes who submitted applications and were interviewed by a committee comprised of ERAU faculty and staff.
Barber is heading into his senior season with the Embry-Riddle men's lacrosse program as a captain and key contributor on the field. The 2025 Third-Team All-SSC selection has started 24 games for the Eagles and has appeared 44 times in three seasons. Barber has totaled 97 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers in his career at ERAU while adding 17 goals and one assist.
An aviation business administration major, Barber has maintained a 3.85 GPA, being named to the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll three times and earning D2ADA Academic Achievement honors. Barber is currently in the accelerated MBA program while completing his undergraduate degree. This summer he has been serving as an Aerospace Market and Competitive Intelligence Intern with Safran Electrical and Power.
"Luke is the ideal example of what it means to be a student, person, and player," Head Men's Lacrosse Coach John Jez stated. "He leads by example in the classroom, in our community, and on the field. He represents everything the Steve and Vicky Ridder Scholarship stands for."
Lara heads into her senior campaign with the women's soccer program as a key piece to the program. She started in all 18 games in 2025 and has made 33 career appearances in three seasons. She totaled five goals and two assists for 12 points in 2025.
An electrical engineering major with minors in mathematics and systems engineering, Lara has been a member of the Dean's List every semester and has posted a 3.85 GPA. In addition to her performance in the classroom, Lara serves as a teaching assistant for digital circuit design lab where she connects with students through lab instruction, grading, and class conversations.
"I'm really happy that Anna Marisa has been selected to receive this award," Head Women's Soccer Coach Liam McIlhatton said. "As a department, we know how prestigious this award is. Anna Marisa is someone who continually holds herself accountable at the highest level every day. She embodies everything that we look for in a student athlete at Embry-Riddle. Her work rate and determination to succeed is clear for everyone to see."
"It hasn't always been plain sailing for Anna, but her attitude has always been first class," McIlhatton added. "She is a great teammate, and she has grown into a leadership role. As her coach, it has been great to see her develop and improve on and off the field. I'm really pleased that she is getting the recognition of this award, and I know it means a lot to her. We pride ourselves on being the best student, person and player and I have no doubt that Anna Marisa checks off all these boxes."
