National Awards Day - 2025 Winners
Honorees Announced for NAIA National Awards Day
Congratulations to the NAIA’s 2025 National Awards Day winners, which include student-athletes, athletics personnel, and sports teams from across the association. The honorees are celebrated for their hard work, exemplary character, and significant accomplishments both on and off the field. National Awards Day recognizes the newest NAIA Hall of Fame inductees, 18 individual and team awards, and the 2024-25 NAIA Scholar Team recipients.
2024-25 NAIA National Award Winners:
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award – Landon Ruesink, Zavyr Metzger
Named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary, the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award recognizes one male and one female junior student-athlete who has excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship.
Regarded as the cornerstone of the Northwestern College (Iowa) volleyball team, Zavyr Metzger sets the standard for excellence on the court and in the classroom.
As a powerhouse middle-hitter, Zavyr led the country in blocks per set (1.75) and total blocks (198) in 2024, helping her team achieve the highest blocking average (3.18) in the NAIA. Zavyr was also named an NAIA All-American for the first time, recognized as the GPAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, and selected for both the NAIA and AVCA Second Teams.
With a 3.99 GPA, Zavyr brings the same passion and rigor to her studies as a nursing major. Whether assisting patients with daily activities, ensuring their comfort, or meticulously documenting patient progress, Zavyr approaches each task with unwavering dedication and attention to detail. In addition, Zavyr devotes time to providing invaluable support to her peers as a tutor for anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and various other nursing classes.
Landon Ruesink is a dual-sport student-athlete competing in both football and baseball at Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.).
Majoring in accounting, Landon has maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned several academic honors, including recognition as a CSC Academic All-District, Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, and the esteemed South Dakota Trust Association Scholarship Award. Additionally, Landon routinely gives back through community service, volunteering with the Special Olympics, aiding in flood relief efforts, officiating youth basketball, and supporting Habitat for Humanity builds.
In balancing academics and athletics, Landon has demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and a team-first mindset. This mentality contributed to Landon’s rare achievement of earning All-GPAC honors in both football and baseball.
Emil S. Liston Award – Macy Sievers, Blake Stewart
Named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the men's basketball tournament, the Emil Liston Scholarship Award recognizes one junior men's and one junior women's basketball student-athlete who has shown high athletic and academic achievement.
Known for her grounded and dedicated leadership, Macy Sievers has distinguished herself as a leading force on the Dordt University (Iowa) basketball team.
Through exceptional performances at the 2024 and 2025 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championships, Macy proved instrumental in rallying her team to consecutive titles. Macy is a three-time GPAC All-Conference performer, a two-time NAIA All-American, and was named both the GPAC and NAIA Player of the Year in 2025. Additionally, Macy is the current NAIA leader in career and single-season assists, while ranking top 10 in 15 other statistical categories.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Macy excels academically as an elementary education major, maintaining a 3.87 GPA and earning the CSC Academic All-America and Daktronics Scholar-Athlete honors.
Rising from the junior varsity ranks to a starting role, Blake Stewart’s tenacity and determination have established him as a leader on the Cornerstone University (Mich.) basketball team.
After dedicating countless hours to refining his skills beyond scheduled practices, Blake quickly emerged as a driving force behind the team's two consecutive conference championship titles. For his efforts, Blake was named a WHAC All-Conference performer in 2025 and will serve as one of the team’s captains in the upcoming season.
Away from the court, Blake demonstrates the same level of discipline and excellence in his business studies. With a 3.92 GPA, Blake has been recognized as a CSC Academic All-District, a Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, and a two-time WHAC Academic honoree. In his final year of athletic eligibility, Blake plans to continue his education by pursuing a master's degree.
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character® Award – Hannah Ulibarri
Named in honor of the former NAIA and U.S. Olympic Committee president, the Dr. Leroy Walker Award recognizes outstanding student-athletes for their academics, athletics, leadership, and dedication to living the core values of Champions of Character®. This award was created in association with the National Sports Foundation.
In a moment when it would have been easy to ignore a clerical error, Hannah Ulibarri, a golfer at The Master’s University (Calif.), chose instead to demonstrate remarkable sportsmanship and integrity.
At the 2025 NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship, Hannah reported a self-inflicted penalty, resulting in her disqualification. Although no one else would have known, Hannah’s quiet strength, consistent humility, and deep respect for her competitors compelled her to lead with honesty. While it may have caught some off guard, Hannah consistently displays the same strength of character across all areas of her life.
Whether on the course or in the classroom, Hannah leads by example and inspires excellence in others. Hannah’s athletic achievements include qualifying for the national championship three times, securing a runner-up finish in 2023, and receiving top honors such as NAIA All-American, All-GSAC, and GSAC Player of the Year in 2025. Additionally, as a double major in mechanical engineering and computer science with a 4.0 GPA, Hannah dedicates time to providing invaluable support to her peers as a tutor in physics, coding, and calculus.
NAIA-ATA Al Ortolani Athletic Training Scholarship – Andy Quijada
Named in honor of the head athletic trainer at Pittsburg State University (1955-1995), the Al Ortolani Scholarship Award recognizes student-athletes pursuing an entry-level degree in athletic training.
Andy Quijada’s firsthand experience as a student-athlete fueled his passion for expanding healthcare access within collegiate athletics.
Entering the second year of his master’s program in athletic training at Sterling College (Kan.), Andy approaches his studies with unmatched compassion and humility. Known for his remarkable bedside manner, Andy provides a calm and reassuring presence that student-athletes naturally gravitate toward. Additionally, Andy’s proficiency in English and Spanish has enhanced his ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, proving essential in creating inclusive and supportive environments where every student-athlete feels seen and heard.
In the first year, Andy gained hands-on experience at both Hutchinson High School and Sterling College, assisting with athletic training needs for football, volleyball, soccer, tennis, cross-country, and baseball. After graduation, Andy aims to leverage his degree to continue supporting and advocating for the needs of NAIA student-athletes.
2024-25 Administrators
NAIA Coach of Character Award – Alex Ireland
Recognizes a head coach who has been outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character® initiative by deliberately teaching character to their student-athletes through sport.
Since joining the Dalton State College (Ga.) basketball staff in 2017, Coach Alex Ireland has played a pivotal role in leading his team to competitive success while placing equal emphasis on character development.
Coach Ireland’s goal is to develop student-athletes who are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities. This is embedded into every practice through drills that not only improve athletic abilities but also cultivate essential leadership skills. Coach Ireland also assigns short readings focused on character development strategies and hosts discussions that focus on implementation within the team environment and beyond. More personally, Coach Ireland regularly meets with each of his student-athletes to discuss life, family, school, and any challenges they may be facing unrelated to basketball.
At the heart of it all, Coach Ireland is there for his student-athletes in every moment that matters. From landing their first internship to navigating personal hardships, or even finding a suit for a wedding, Coach Ireland is a reliable presence dedicated to preparing his student-athletes for basketball—and for life.
Athletics Director of the Year – Chad Briscoe
Recognizes an outstanding athletics administrator based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of athletics administration and service to the NAIA.
Under Chad Briscoe’s guidance, the Grace College (Ind.) Lancers experienced one of their most defining years to date. During the 2024-25 season, eight teams advanced to national championships, including women’s volleyball, which made its first national tournament appearance since 2001. Additionally, 12 teams ranked within the top percentage of the league, resulting in an impressive fourth-place finish in the 2024-25 Crossroads League All-Sports Standings. This storied success continued in the classroom, where the Lancers posted a 3.49 overall GPA, and every sport earned NAIA Scholar Team status for the ninth consecutive year.
Chad also played an instrumental role in securing two host bids for men’s basketball and women's volleyball opening rounds and led the college through several athletic facility improvement projects.
Chad recently concluded his three-year term as president of the NAIA National Administrative Council and was recognized with an award of merit for his service. Chad’s principled nature and unrivaled passion have led him to be named the Crossroads League’s Athletics Director of the Year five times.
Charles Morris Administrator of the Year – Michael Schell
Named in honor of the former NAIA Associate Executive Director, the Charles Morris Administrator of the Year recognizes administrators in all phases of NAIA athletic programs (ex., FARS, eligibility chairs, commissioners, sports chairs, etc.) on college campuses and/or administrators of affiliated conference/CAC (Independents).
This year’s Charles Morris Administrator award celebrates the life and legacy of the late Michael Schell.
Michael’s impactful career with the NAIA spanned more than 35 years, during which he served as athletics director at Oregon Institute of Technology and as commissioner of the River States Conference.
After graduating from Oregon Tech in 1995, Michael began his career in the athletics department, first as an assistant athletics director for six years before taking the helm as athletics director. During his 14 years leading the department, Michael was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Athletics Director of the Year three times and was also awarded the NAIA Region I Athletics Director of the Year award in 2006.
Following his time at Oregon Tech, Michael served as the second full-time commissioner of the River States Conference from 2018 to 2025. As commissioner, Michael led the River States through a period marked by both competitive success and an improved student-athlete experience.
Beyond his record of professional success, Michael’s legacy is defined by his selfless leadership, generous spirit, and steadfast dedication. Michael placed the well-being of student-athletes, coaches, member institutions, and colleagues at the forefront of his work. He led with a people-first approach, always uplifting those around him and living by the mantra “be the reason that someone smiles today.”
Even in the face of illness, Michael continued to serve the NAIA with the same quiet strength and heartfelt care that defined his career. Michael’s impact on the NAIA is truly immeasurable and will continue to inspire stewardship, kindness, and excellence within the association for years to come.
Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year – Lisa Scott
Named in honor of the former NAIA vice-president of Legislative Services, the Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award recognizes a conference/CAC (Independents) and national Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) for their loyalty, enthusiasm, and honesty throughout the past year.
As the faculty athletics representative for Bethel College (Kan.), Lisa Scott serves as a trusted liaison between athletics and academics, ensuring that student-athletes are not only supported but also held to the highest standards of excellence and accountability.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Lisa’s understanding of academic policies and accreditation standards is second to none. She utilizes her knowledge and experience to ensure athletic participation complements the educational mission of Bethel.
Above all, Lisa is an advocate for student-athletes. Lisa is dedicated to ensuring that every decision and process is completed with clarity, fairness, compassion, and consideration for the student-athlete experience. She consistently encourages student-athletes to strike a balance between academic progress and athletic commitment, while emphasizing the Champions of Character® five core values.
In a time when faculty engagement with athletics is crucial, Lisa exemplifies what a FAR can and should be.
Sports Information Director of the Year – Colena Lord
Recognizes an outstanding sports information director based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of sports information and service to the NAIA.
Colena Lord has been an outstanding leader and visionary as the Sports Information Director at SCAD Savannah (Ga.). Over the last year, her strategies have greatly increased SCAD's athletic programs' visibility in local and national media. Her success in highlighting achievements, such as leading coverage for the 2024 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship and the equestrian team's performance, demonstrates her dedication and skill in sports communication.
Under Colena's direction and social media expertise, SCAD's digital presence increased by 135 percent in top post shares and 110 percent in posts with over 1,000 impressions. She contributed over 200 stories to the athletics website and launched a bi-weekly column on artist-athletes, boosting engagement and enriching SCAD athletics' story.
Colena's media achievements include hosting major events like The Sun Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship and the 2024 and 2025 NAIA Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse National Championships. Recognized as the Sun Conference Sports Information Director of the Year, she also promotes professional growth for sports communicators through committee involvement, showing her dedication to the field.
Clarence "Ike" Pearson SID Award – Tyler Price
Named in honor of the former statistical crew chief of the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, the Clarence "Ike" Pearson Award recognizes a member of the NAIA-Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA) for their outstanding contributions to the profession.
Tyler Price has been a fixture in NAIA athletics communications for 16 years, serving as a proud member of both NAIA-SIDA and CSC, earning 16 Top 10 finishes in NAIA-SIDA publications and media contests. Tyler has demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership through roles on the 2017–18 CSC Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the 2013–14 CoSIDA Convention Programming Committee, and the NAIA-SIDA Board (2014–2021).
A respected voice in the profession, Tyler has organized, coordinated, and spoken on multiple CSC convention panels and mentored numerous colleagues in building their careers. His professional journey includes service at two NAIA member institutions—Park University (Mo.) and Baker University (Kan.)—as well as the NAIA national office (2008) and the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
His honors include 2012 AVCA/NAIA Men’s Volleyball Sports Information Director of the Year, 2016 CSC “30 for 30” (recognizing the top SIDs age 30 or younger), and 2017 Heart of America Athletic Conference SID of the Year. Beyond his professional contributions, Tyler is active in youth sports, coaching his daughter’s basketball team and earning Johnson County Parks and Recreation’s Outstanding Leadership in Coaching Award in both 2018 and 2019, where he emphasized teaching the game through the NAIA’s Five Core Character Values.
National Student Clearinghouse Registrar of the Year Award – Maria Abdel
This award recognizes an outstanding Registrar who has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession and shown dedication during the previous year with on-campus certifications for athletics eligibility. The intent is to consider members who are Registrars who handle ECP on their college campus. The recipient should exemplify loyalty, enthusiasm, service, passion, and a commitment to their institution, the NAIA, and student athletes.
As the number of certifications has nearly tripled since 2019, Maria Abdel has continued to support the St. Thomas University (Fla.) athletic department with the same precision and commitment to excellence that have long defined her career.
Working closely with St. Thomas’s FAR, Maria has quickly scaled the eligibility certification process from 14 teams to 40, ensuring that everything receiving her signature has been thoroughly reviewed, revised, questioned, and checked for accuracy. This attention to detail is applied to everything Maria does, and she consistently dedicates personal time to conducting the necessary research and completing the required paperwork for the certification process.
Maria seamlessly balances the needs of the athletics department with her other registrar responsibilities and serves as a quietly impactful presence in the student-athlete journey.
Athletic Trainer of the Year – Meghan Neffendorf
Recognizes an NATA-certified athletic trainer has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession of athletic training in personal conduct and professional allied health service to athletes.
Meghan Neffendorf’s distinguished career at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) is defined by her exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and heartfelt dedication to those she serves.
Since assuming her role as director of sports medicine, Meghan has been instrumental in supporting championship-level athletic performance across multiple LSUS teams. More specifically, Meghan’s contribution transcends traditional injury treatment, promoting various aspects of student-athlete well-being. Meghan leads with precision and care to ensure that student-athletes receive not only exceptional medical support but also the emotional and personal guidance they need to thrive. Additionally, Meghan continually elevates the standards of sports medicine by improving efficiency. Her meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding insurance processes, has made it quicker and easier for student-athletes to navigate medical processes.
Beyond her clinical duties, Meghan has taken on leadership roles in hosting key events, including the RRAC Baseball Championship, the Cajun Collision, and an NAIA Baseball Opening Round.
Female Trailblazer of the Year – Erica Baldaray
Recognizes an outstanding woman leader who exemplified outstanding support of women in athletics and their success.
Through intentional action and dedicated advocacy, Erica Baldaray has been a catalyst in advancing inclusive practices and building systems that support the success of women across the NAIA.
During the 2024-25 academic year, Erica designed and launched Soka University of America’s (Calif.) Junior Woman Leader program, which focuses on empowering the next generation of women leaders in collegiate athletics. This transformative initiative pairs female students with experienced Senior Woman Leaders (SWLs) to develop skills, offer hands-on experiences in athletics administration, and foster strong professional networks. Ultimately, Erica aims to use the Junior Woman Leader program as a model that can be scaled across various NAIA conferences and institutions.
At the national level, Erica brings this same passion for championing women into her leadership positions on the Senior Woman Leader Association, the NAIA-MOAA Leadership Board, and the NAIA RISE Committee.
School of Character Award – Bushnell University
Recognizes an NAIA institution that exemplifies exceptional commitment to fostering character development among their student-athletes and embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character® initiative.
Guided by the mission of fostering wisdom, faith, and service, Bushnell University (Ore.) is devoted to cultivating graduates who live with intention and lead with purpose.
In the athletics department, this begins with their “tri-athlete” philosophy, which intentionally weaves the Champions of Character® five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – into every aspect of the student-athlete experience. Through this model, Bushnell student-athletes are supported in pursuing growth in competition, the classroom, and character.
This commitment is demonstrated through numerous initiatives across the athletics department, kicking off each year with the annual Champions of Character® barbecue and service project. This annual event focuses on building community among student-athletes, engaging in service, and deepening student-athletes’ understanding of the NAIA’s core values. Additionally, each team participates in several community-focused activities throughout the year, including:
- Project Hope: a citywide initiative to distribute school supplies to students in need
- Food for Lane County: a donation drive benefiting a local food bank
- Christmas Adopt-a-Family: a fundraiser that provides holiday gifts for local families
- Embrace the Community Day: a campus-wide day of service that originated within the athletics department
During the 2024-25 academic year, Bushnell student-athletes collectively contributed over 6,600 hours of service, averaging more than 20 hours per student-athlete.
In every respect, Bushnell University exemplifies what it means to be the NAIA School of Character. Their dedication to the Champions of Character® five core values is not just expressed in ideals, but in daily habits, team standards, and life practices that prepare students to become purposeful graduates.
2024-25 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees
The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the association. Nominees must be of outstanding quality, high moral character, and fine leadership ability, and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches, and former athletes.
Hall of Fame – Dr. Darin Wilson, Meritorious Service
Dr. Darin Wilson’s impact within the NAIA extends far beyond campus borders, strengthening institutions, elevating programs, and making meaningful contributions to the NAIA’s long-term success.
After graduating from Union College (Ky.), Dr. Wilson spent two years as a graduate assistant before becoming the youngest head baseball coach in Union history at age 25. As head coach, Dr. Wilson’s team broke the school record for wins (41), which played a key role in his recognition as the Mid-South Baseball Coach of the Year. After five years leading the Bulldogs baseball team, Dr. Wilson was named the institution's athletics director.
During his nine years as athletics director, Dr. Wilson was instrumental in guiding the department through a period of unprecedented growth and success. More specifically, Dr. Wilson expanded the athletics offerings to include 23 sports, dramatically increased student-athlete enrollment, and oversaw expansive work to make Union’s athletics facilities some of the best in the NAIA.
In 2011, Dr. Wilson stepped into the position of inaugural athletics director at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) with the goal of making it one of the nation’s premier programs. In 2012, he led GGC’s formal entry in the NAIA, and within one year of becoming post-season eligible, four teams reached an NAIA national tournament, dozens of student-athletes earned All-American honors, and the tennis teams captured GGC’s first national championship titles.
For his contributions as athletics director, Dr. Wilson was named the NAIA Athletics Director of the Year twice, the Conference Athletics Director of the Year six times, and was honored by Under Armour and the Continental Athletic Conference.
In addition to his campus-level positions, Dr. Wilson has served the NAIA in various national leadership roles, including the National Administrative Council, the Athletics Directors Association, the Membership Committee, and the Hall of Fame Committee, among others.
Today, Dr. Wilson serves as GCC’s vice president for campus and external engagement, where he continues to lead with vision and purpose, expanding the institution's impact across the community and beyond. Dr. Wilson’s ongoing contributions have had a profound impact not only on the programs he has served but also across the broader NAIA community.
Hall of Fame – Kevin Steele, Meritorious Service
Kevin Steele’s distinguished career in collegiate athletics spans more than 30 years, with the majority of that time dedicated to service within the NAIA.
As the current athletics director for Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ), Kevin built a thriving and successful program from the ground up. When Kevin was appointed to the position in 2017, the university had zero students and only one building. Since his appointment, Kevin has launched more than 30 varsity sports, expanded the department to include 800 student-athletes, and developed some of the most comprehensive athletic facilities in the West Valley. Additionally, under Kevin’s leadership, OUAZ has earned national recognition with multiple NAIA and NCCAA championships, including titles in beach volleyball, men’s volleyball, and water polo.
Prior to his time at OUAZ, Kevin held athletics director positions at MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.), California Baptist University, Blinn College (Texas), and Redlands Community College (Okla.). His tenure at these institutions was marked by historic milestones, including national championships, deep postseason runs, facility expansions, and the creation of numerous sports programs. Notably, his leadership at MidAmerica Nazarene resulted in a national championship title in women’s basketball (2016), multiple national tournament appearances across various sports, and the creation of a culture rooted in character-driven athletics.
In addition to his campus-level accomplishments, Kevin has served the NAIA in various national leadership roles, including with the Hall of Fame Committee, National Administrative Council, Athletics Directors Association, and Growth and Advisory Panel. His work as Chair of the Athletics Directors Association led to the formation of the ADA Board of Directors, which expanded the number of engaged athletics directors and resulted in the ADA being recognized as an NACDA affiliate organization.
As a three-time NACDA Athletic Director of the Year, Kevin is widely respected for his servant leadership, strategic vision, and lifelong commitment to student-athlete development. Kevin’s enduring legacy lies not only in the programs he built but in the lives he has touched through his mentorship, integrity, and passion for collegiate athletics.
Hall of Fame – Becca (Hurley) Kramer, Athlete
Becca Hurley Kramer led the Northwestern College (Iowa) Red Raiders through one of the greatest four-year stretches in NAIA basketball history.
From 2007 to 2011, Becca’s dominance on the court was instrumental in securing three national championship titles (2008, 2010, 2011) and one Fab Four appearance (2009). In recognition of her commanding presence, Becca was honored as the tournament MVP twice (2010, 2011), an NAIA First Team All-American three times (2009-11), and was selected as the NAIA Player of the Year in 2011.
Becca graduated as Northwestern’s single-season leader in steals (102), a title she still holds today, and remains ranked among the top four in program history for career steals (281), career assists (534), and scoring (2,315).
Hall of Fame – Dr. Brandon Seifert, Athlete
Dr. Brandon Seifert is one of the most accomplished student-athletes to have ever competed at Concordia University (Neb.).
As a top-tier long-distance runner, Dr. Siefert captured the indoor mile national championship title while helping lead his team to secure a runner-up finish at the 2000 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship. Additionally, Dr. Seifert earned three individual conference titles in cross country and six individual conference titles in track & field. In recognition of his unmatched success, Dr. Seifert was honored as a three-time NAIA All-American in cross country, an eight-time NAIA All-American in track, and was awarded the A. O. Duer Scholarship Award in 1999.
Dr. Seifert remains the school record holder in the indoor 1,000-meter and the outdoor 4x800-meter relay. Today, Dr. Seifert resides with his family in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he practices medicine as an orthopedic surgeon.
Hall of Fame – Amanda Workman Haverstick, Coach
Over the course of her distinguished career, Coach Amanda Workman Haverstick has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, build championship-caliber programs, and transform the lives of student-athletes both on and off the course. Before serving as athletics director at SCAD Savannah (Ga.), Coach Workman Haverstick dedicated 22 years to coaching their golf programs.
Under her leadership, the SCAD Bees earned 19 consecutive NAIA Women’s Golf National Championship berths, including a title victory in 2018, four runner-up titles, and back-to-back third place finishes in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Coach Workman Haverstick’s women’s golfers accumulated two individual national title wins, 38 NAIA All-American honors, 46 All-Conference selections, and 21 NAIA National Championship All-Tournament Team selections. Under Coach Workman Haverstick’s direction, the men's golf program achieved equally impressive accolades, including earning three-time GCAA Academic National Champion titles, 17 NAIA All-Americans, 12 All-Sun Conference honors, and 26 GCAA All-America Scholar Athletes.
For her remarkable leadership on the course, Coach Workman Haverstick was named NAIA Coach of the Year in 2018.
Hall of Fame – Barry Doty, Coach
Coach Barry Doty spent nearly two decades leading William Wood University’s (Mo.) golf programs before joining Columbia College (Mo.) in 2022, where he continues to serve as an assistant coach today. Coach Doty’s distinguished career with each institution represents a legacy of sustained excellence and unwavering dedication to developing elite student-athletes.
In total, Coach Doty’s teams have made an astounding 31 appearances at the NAIA National Championship, securing four runner-up finishes, nine top-four finishes, and 16 top-ten finishes. His teams have comprised 61 All-Americans, 24 Conference/Region Players of the Year, two All-Nicklaus Team members, and two recipients of the Phil Mickelson Award. The sheer volume of his teams’ success, with a total of 225 tournament wins and an incredible 77 percent overall win rate, speaks volumes about his coaching prowess.
As a 35-time Coach of the Year recipient, recognized across the AMC, NAIA Regions, Unaffiliated Groupings, and the Golf Coaches Association of America, Coach Doty has long been regarded as one of the most respected and accomplished golf coaches in NAIA history.
Hall of Fame – Kris Korver, Coach
Throughout his 25 seasons leading the Northwestern College (Iowa) men’s basketball team, Coach Kris Korver prioritized creating a program where character development aligned seamlessly with the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Under Coach Korver’s direction, the Northwestern Raiders made 19 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship appearances, winning the titles twice in 2001 and 2003. Additionally, Coach Korver’s teams secured six GPAC tournament titles and nine GPAC regular season titles. In the span of this career, Coach Korver's teams included 48 NAIA All-Americans, one NAIA Player of the Year, seven GPAC Players of the Year, five GPAC Freshmen of the Year, and two GPAC Defensive Players of the Year. In 2025, Coach Korver concluded his career boasting a 574-225 record, which ranks him 26th among current and former NAIA coaches for the most wins.
Beyond his numerous accolades, Coach Korver is best known for his commitment to preparing student-athletes for leadership, dedicating time both on and off the court to helping his players develop the skills needed to thrive in competition and in life.
Hall of Fame – Marty McCauley, Coach
Having helped lead Oklahoma City University’s women’s golf team to three national championship titles, Coach Marty McCauley exemplifies excellence in leadership, student-athlete development, and competitive achievement.
Throughout his career, Coach McCauley was a relentless recruiter who worked diligently to assemble the most successful golf teams in Oklahoma City University's history. In addition to national title wins in 2013, 2014, and 2017, Coach McCauley’s teams qualified for the national tournament every year and finished within the top ten 80 percent of the time. In total, Coach McCauley coached 42 NAIA All-Americans, 18 Daktronics Scholar-Athletes, and seven CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. Additionally, his team was recognized as a NAIA Scholar Team every year of his tenure.
Coach McCauley served on the NAIA Women’s Golf Coaches Association National Committee for 11 years, including three as president. In recognition of his contributions, Coach McCauley was honored as the NAIA Coach of the Year three times.
Hall of Fame – Mike Cook, Coach
Coach Mike Cook’s fifteen-year tenure leading the College of Coastal Georgia’s men’s golf program is marked by championship success, a deep commitment to developing student-athletes, and a lasting influence on the game of golf.
Under Coach Cook’s leadership, Coastal Georgia has made 11 consecutive NAIA Men’s Golf National Tournament appearances, including two back-to-back title wins in 2014 and 2015 and a runner-up finish in 2019. Coach Cook's players have included 12 GCAA All-American Scholars, 26 NAIA All-Americans, 24 PING NAIA All-Americans, 32 PING All-Region honorees, and 40 All-Conference selections. In addition, Coach Cook has trained numerous national standouts, including the 2019 Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year, and several of his players have also gone on to compete professionally. Beyond his coaching achievements at the collegiate level, Coach Cook represented the United States internationally as the head coach for Team U.S.A. during the 2016 Arnold Palmer Cup.
In recognition of his contributions, Coach Cook has been honored as the Conference Coach of the Year four times and was selected as the NAIA Coach of the Year twice.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized throughout the year at their respective NAIA National Championships, national coaches’ association meetings or at the NAIA National Convention. More detailed information about each inductee will be released prior to these ceremonies. View the complete list of NAIA Hall of Famers.
Bruce Brown CCA Team of Character® Award
The Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) Champions of Character® Team Award is given annually to one men’s and one women’s team for their exemplary character on the field, on campus, and in the community.
Men's Team: Bushnell (Ore.) Track
On Bushnell University’s (Ore.) men’s track & field team, service and gratitude are not just encouraged, but embedded into every practice and competition. On average, the team dedicates more than 20 hours each to volunteering, supporting initiatives such as local food drives, community races, and campus move-in day. Several team members also serve as tutors and campus leaders, including six individuals who are on the campus orientation team. Additionally, the men’s track & field team always approaches competition with unparalleled sportsmanship. They can consistently be found rallying crowd support for all competitors, expressing appreciation to officials and fellow student-athletes, and sending handwritten thank-you notes to meet hosts after competitions.
Women's Team: Grand View (Iowa) Softball
In a critical regular-season game, the Grand View University (Iowa) softball team hit what appeared to be a go-ahead home run, but an appeal decision determined the runner missed first base, resulting in the score being overturned. This ruling impacted the team’s standing, costing them the regular-season conference title and an automatic berth in the national tournament. Instead of responding with frustration, sadness, or anger, the team approached the decision with humility and grace, ultimately displaying that while things may not always go as planned, a team’s response is the truest testament of character. With continued determination, the team later went on to capture the conference tournament title and secured their spot in the national tournament. Grand View’s response to adversity was not only a powerful example of sportsmanship, but it was also a real-world demonstration of what it means to be a Champions of Character® Team.