At the annual Minnesota Sports Awards hosted by Sports Minneapolis and powered by Meet Minneapolis on Oct. 24, MNUFC midfielder Collin Martin was honored with the 2018 Courage Award. The award is given to an athlete or other sports figure who overcame significant challenges on or off the playing field, inspiring others with their courage, perseverance and determination.

Collin Martin’s June tweet, coinciding with the team’s Pride Night celebration, was a watershed moment. With that tweet, Martin became the only active player in the five men’s professional sports in the U.S. to share with the public he is gay. Martin hoped his tweet would inspire others to be proud of who they are.

The Minnesota Sports Awards are determined by public nomination. A committee of sports journalists and sports executives from around the state selected the finalists and winner of the 2018 Courage Award.