Paul Hayden, Arizona Christian University
Paul Hayden is a junior leader on the Arizona Christian University Men’s Basketball team.  A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Hayden is pursuing a degree in Biblical Theology with plans to enter graduate school at Dallas Theological Seminary immediately after graduation before going into full-time ministry.  On campus, Hayden leads Bible studies every Monday night for ACU students, serves on campus clean-up teams, and serves with his team at the local community food bank.  Paul also enjoyed the opportunity to preach at ACU chapel during the fall semester to the campus community.  Additionally, he serves at North Phoenix Baptist church as the middle school director in the youth ministry program.  Paul is also connected with a nearby Phoenix ministry, MAD House Ministries - an organization committed to providing urban young people a pathway to discover what they were created to be, using the sport of basketball as a vehicle to build mentoring relationships.  Recently Paul traveled with MAD House Ministries to Palestine near Jerusalem to serve the local youth.  While there, Paul helped lead basketball camps and skills training sessions, then shared the gospel with the kids and families while supporting the local church.  On the court, Hayden is a starting forward for the Firestorm and averaged 13.7 points and 29 minutes per game through the first half of the season, and has been a key contributor for ACU while capturing two conference championships in his first two seasons.  

Taylor Schleisman, Arizona Christian University
Taylor Schleisman is a senior student-athlete on the Arizona Christian University softball team.  Originally from Elizabeth, Colorado, Taylor has achieved outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments while modeling the five values of the Champions of Character program.  Off the field, Taylor has served in a variety of ways in the local community, including service projects at St. Mary’s Food Bank, Salvation Army, Coloring for Kids program, and Habitat for Humanity.  On campus, Taylor helps coordinate the Athletics Leadership Chapels for Firestorm student leaders, volunteers to work at home football games, and leads Bible studies for the softball program throughout the year.  On the field Schleisman was named to the All-GSAC team in 2022 and earned GSAC Scholar-Athlete honors.  Starting all 47 games at second base, she hit .314 with 12 doubles, 38 RBIs, and 31 runs scored.  In the classroom Taylor is working towards a degree in Behavioral Health, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology upon graduation.  Head ACU Softball Coach, Mike Mayben, stated, “Taylor puts in a great deal of work on the field and in the classroom.  She has a passion for learning, understands the value of serving others, and her genuine enthusiasm spreads to everyone around her.  Her positivity and integrity are evident in all that she does.”  

Jesus Vargas, Hope International University
Senior defender Jesus Vargas is a leader on and off the field as the captain of the Hope International University men’s soccer team and embraces all five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character model.  Off the field Jesus demonstrates servant leadership and responsibility by volunteering in the community with the Southern California Seahorses Soccer team.  Together they travel and do soccer camps with young refugees in Southern California, Sacramento and Mexico. On these trips they share the bible and play soccer with the youth.  On top of that Jesus also donates food at skid row.  In the classroom Jesus maintains a 3.0 GPA and is majoring in Criminal Justice and has begun the process to become a police officer.  On the field, Jesus was recently named GSAC Player of the Year after helping lead the Royals to the GSAC regular season Championship.  Coach Lurker says, “Jesus is special.  From the first day I met him I knew he had endless potential.  It took me two years to get him to Hope but once he came, he was more than what I could have Hoped for.  Not only has he competed at HIU as the most decorated athlete in our Men’s Soccer Program History, but he has accomplished that with outstanding academics and elite leadership.  As our captain, he was entrusted to lead both on and off the field and that is exactly what he did.  As a hero in his sports community, he has used that platform to influence young kids to pursue excellence in all they do. I am so proud of the man Jesus has become and can’t wait to see what God does with him next.”

Jade Philips, Hope International University
Jade Philips is a junior middle blocker for the Hope International Women’s Volleyball team who is a leader on and off the field while showcasing the five NAIA Champions of Character values.  Jade respects her teammates, opponents and displays great sportsmanship as one of the top players on the women’s team.  Jade also displays great servant leadership as she worships at her local church where she volunteers for the youth ministry helping with church operations.  Jade showcases responsibility by always wanting to contribute as she serves on the Hope International SAAC which helps amplify the voice of student athletes on campus by addressing their concerns and improving their student-athlete experience.  As a GSAC and NAIA Scholar-Athlete, Jade is an exceptional student in the classroom as she has carried a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her first three years at Hope.  Jade has a bright future ahead as she plans to become a teacher with the eventual goal of being a principal down the road.  Coach Yoder says, “Jade is extremely hard working and driven. She continues to grow on the court, but she is an incredible example of what it means to be a Christian-Student-Athlete at Hope, and in that order. I am so proud to coach her and know her.”

Daniel Hernandez, Life Pacific University
Daniel Hernandez is a senior guard on the Life Pacific University Men’s Basketball team.  Throughout his time at LPU, Daniel has maintained a 3.02 cumulative GPA and is on course to graduate this Spring with his degree in Business Administration.  He plans on returning next year to begin graduate school and finish out his last year of athletic eligibility.   Daniel has been a prominent presence on the LPU campus, representing both the Basketball team and Athletic Department with integrity and discipline.  He pursues life’s circumstances with respect, sportsmanship, and perseverance every day when adverse situations arise.  During his time at Life, he has served the community by giving free haircuts to people in need at his local church.  He has also done work for Shepperd’s Pantry, which aims to help support families in the Inland Empire with food and clothes.  On the basketball court, Daniel has been a consistent starter over the last 3 years and has been a staple in the success of the Men’s Basketball program.  Upon graduation, Hernandez plans to pursue his Master’s in Business Administration at LPU with the hopes of running a major corporation someday.

Marissa Ryerson, Life Pacific University
Marissa Ryerson is a junior setter on the Women’s Volleyball team as well as a member of the Beach Volleyball team at Life Pacific.  She serves as a student-leader on campus in the Associated Student Government, where she has been the Marketing and Communications Chair for the last two years.  This past semester, she completed an internship with the Foursquare NW District, in which she worked directly with the Head of the District’s NextGen department to plan youth events for the Connection Conference.  Throughout her time at Life Pacific, Marissa has excelled in the classroom as she holds a 4.0 cumulative GPA.  She is majoring in Ministry with Concentrations in Youth and Pastoral Ministry.  Marissa has also been very active in the community locally and internationally.  She serves in youth and children’s ministry back at her home church.  Additionally, she went to Greece in 2022 on a mission trip where she was able to teach self-defense classes to refugee women.  In May of 2023, she will be going on another mission trip to Romania to serve Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing from the war.  After her time at LPU, she will be getting her Foursquare pastor’s license in order to become a youth pastor.  She received her calling to go into ministry when she was 17 and has a passion to preach the gospel to youth, in hopes of starting them down the path of a deeply rooted relationship with Christ.

Logan Avina-Barajas, Menlo College
Logan Avina-Barajas is a junior 141-pound captain of the men’s wrestling team at Menlo College, Logan is pursuing a Business degree in Human Resource Management, with a minor in Equity and Justice Studies. He currently serves as a Resident Assistant, and is the RA program’s Team Leadership Coordinator, which entails directing 19 fellow Resident Assistants and educating them about the 5 levels of leadership and leadership competencies. In 2021, he received the Menlo Athletics Richard F. O’Brien Award, which is given to a student-athlete who best embodies the Menlo spirit through excellence on campus. He is a current member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the highest honor a student at an AACSB institution can receive. Since June 2022, he has been a Senior Advisor at Vector Marketing in Silicon Valley, and was named to the Vector Marketing President’s Club. He finished his first summer at Vector Marketing as the #1 new student representative in the Bay Area, and the #12 new representative across the western region. In December 2021, he was selected to be part of a hiring committee convened to hire a new Dean of Student Affairs for Menlo College. Avina-Barajas has a cumulative GPA of 3.88, and has been named to the Dean’s List 4 times. After graduation, he intends to pursue a career focused on educating people about the compensations and benefits available to them.

Ella Sonnelid, Menlo College
Ella Sonnelid is a senior midfielder-turned-defender, and a native of Stockholm, Sweden. She was a foundational part of the women’s soccer team this year, captaining the side and starting all 16 of the Oaks’ matches. She is an active member of the Scandinavian Club and Psychology Club. She volunteers at a local home for the elderly, the Rosener House, and is a volunteer tutor in her free time. She also works for the Game Operations department year-round, including when soccer is in season, and even works at men’s soccer games immediately following her own games. She is flexible in her role as a student worker, and takes pride in any task she is given, from statistics to camera operation to office-based administrative work. She has been named to the Dean’s List every semester of her collegiate career, is a Golden State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete, and was named to the 2022 Academic All-District Team. After tearing her ACL, she participated in a Stanford University study focused on post-injury ACL recovery. Known for her relentless work ethic and leadership capabilities both on and off the field, Sonnelid strives for excellence as both a student and an athlete. She is majoring in Psychology, and has a cumulative GPA of 3.88.

Austin Bohn, Ottawa University – Arizona
Austin Bohn, a native of Erie, Colorado, is an all-around outstanding individual.  His determination to succeed is relentless, and his willingness to achieve the goals he sets for himself is impressive.  However, it is not as admirable as his desire to help others and make the world a better place.  Austin has a great heart and a compassionate soul.  Throughout his time at Ottawa University, Austin dedicated many hours to the St. Mary’s Food Bank for their spring citrus gleaning.  He also spent time with the Luis Zendejas Foundation, where he helped disabled and at-risk individuals learn the skills of kicking and punting.  Austin is always willing to lend a hand whenever asked.  He has volunteered to coach flag football teams for special needs children in association with the Field of Dreams organization in Surprise.  Austin himself was born with a congenital condition called Clubfoot.  He knows and understands what it means to have a disability which is why he works so hard to help others.  Austin had many surgeries and years of physical therapy, and against all odds, he became one of the best college punters in the country.  You can be guaranteed Austin will always give his best effort in every aspect of his life.  He is very respected among his teammates, coaches, and peers. His many accolades are a direct result of his hard work, naturally positive attitude, and genuine kindness.  Austin received his undergraduate degree from Ottawa University and is working towards his master’s degree. His goal is to attend medical school, where he plans on becoming an orthopedic surgeon. OUAZ is very proud of Mr. Bohn, and we know he is the prime example of what it means to be a Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character recipient.

Alexandra McCutcheon, Ottawa University – Arizona
Alexandra McCutcheon is from Avondale, Arizona, and is a part of the softball team at OUAZ.   Throughout her academic and athletic career at Ottawa University - Arizona, McCutcheon has carried herself with great class and is the epitome of what a student-athlete represents.  She is a tremendous role model for everyone around her, especially the young people with whom she works with.  McCutcheon is a responsible community member who has been volunteering over the last several years at The Miracle League of Arizona, working with the boys and girls in the program.  The Miracle League is able to offer a safe and successful baseball experience for children, teens and adults with disabilities or special health care needs.  McCutcheon aspires to be a college pitching coach when her playing career is over.  She currently works with many young players in the softball community, helping them with their pitching fundamentals and the mental side of the game.  McCutcheon has excelled in the classroom, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 GPA. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership Development.  Head OUAZ Softball Coach, Ernesto Ortiz, says, “Alexandra McCutcheon is at the very “top of my list” as a student, a softball player, and most importantly, as a person.  I am so proud of all her accomplishments on and off the field.  I look forward to seeing her continued success and impact in the community.”    

Elisha Page, San Diego Christian College
Elisha Page represents everything that San Diego Christian College values in a student athlete, an unwavering faith in God, a servant’s heart, an inquisitive mind, and a commitment to being a light in the world.  In addition to being a leader on the baseball team, Elisha is a fixture around campus known for his strong faith, servant’s heart, and by his commitment to making SDCC a better place.  An accomplished photojournalist and videographer, for many years Elisha has set an example for his peers by using his talents to do volunteer media production work for The Rock Church in San Diego.  He is also an avid surfer who has incorporated his love of the ocean into his walk with Christ by volunteering as a youth surf instructor with the Walking on Water Christian ministry.  In addition to his commitment to the local community, Elisha is equally committed to serving the global community.  He has been a part of numerous missionary trips that have spread the gospel throughout the world in places such as Zambia and Mexico.  “Elisha serves as much as anyone I've coached in 20 years”, said head baseball coach Josh Milner. “He serves the school, community, his teammates, and others.  I've seen him invest in younger kids and give his time and energy in a way that is very uncommon with today's athletes.  Elisha cares for people and takes a genuine interest in them.  He's an amazing young man that has already impacted many and will continue to do so for decades to come.  It's an honor to coach him.”

Isabella Arias, San Diego Christian College
To say Isabella Arias is a fixture on the San Diego Christian College campus would be an understatement. Her desire to serve the SDCC community has led her to not only being named captain of the cross country team, but to also volunteering to serve other teams on campus as well.  In addition to her rigorous training and study schedule, that earned her distinction as a GSAC scholar-athlete, Isabella is currently also serving as the women’s basketball team manager, and is a dedicated campus leader.  Isabella is the glue that joins San Diego Christian College as one giant family.  Universally loved and admired by her peers for her servant’s heart and unwavering positivity, Isabella has a remarkable reputation with faculty and staff as well.  An “A+” student studying Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, Isabella would like to continue to serve future athletes and non-athletes alike as an ambassador for teaching the importance of physical education.  As an advocate for youth fitness, Isabella volunteers as an elementary school cross country coach, teaching the next generation of runners the joy of the sport.  “Isabella is a positive light on campus”, said head women’s basketball coach, Anessa Wolfblack. “She is a great student, but on top of that, she is an athlete and an asset to our program. She is a big part of our success and we would not function as efficiently without her. She is one of the most genuine people that I have ever met.”  Head Cross Country coach, Daniel Guerrero, states, “As Isabella’s coach, I am thrilled to see her achievements highlighted through winning this award. She is a talented athlete who has always shown up ready to put the work in and better herself, her grit will pave the way to the excellence in her future.”

Daniel Rush, The Master’s University
Daniel Rush is a senior on The Master’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams who has maintained a 4.0 GPA and been a scholar athlete every season since his sophomore year.  Although he is juggling many commitments between academics, athletics, work, relationships, and community service, he has balanced these excellently and honorably.  He is a dedicated member at Grace Community Church where he volunteered in high school ministry and now serves in other Sunday morning events.  For the last two years, Daniel has organized an event in partnership with Children’s Hunger Fund. This is an event that the TMU Cross Country & Track team pushes out and seeks to garner as much community involvement as possible.  The simple purpose is to have The Master’s athletic department and other community members bring food to donate and then run/hike up the mountain that is a five-mile climb near The Master’s campus.  He has always modeled excellent servant leadership and great humility in his academic and athletic success, making him the perfect fit for this award.  After graduation, Daniel will return for a 5th year to compete in Cross Country and Track & Field while he pursues a master’s degree.  Before that, he will get married this summer to his fiancé, Brooke Milam who is also a part of the TMU Women’s Cross Country team. Daniel is passionate to continue serving at church, likely in high school ministry, and may also work in the community by volunteer coaching at a high school or local running group.

Micaiah Scott, The Master’s University
Micaiah Scott is a senior on the Track & Field team at The Master’s University.  Majoring in kinesiology, she has maintained a 3.87 GPA and has been a GSAC Scholar-Athlete the last two years. Not only is she dedicated to excellence in her own academic career, but she encourages her teammates to do the same, helping facilitate team study halls.  The key to her success, both in the classroom and on the track, amidst her many obligations is her great responsibility. She balances her athletics, academics, as well as church, friendships, family, work, and she models to her teammates, peers, and those in authority above her what it looks like to honor her word and commitments and to do everything with excellence for the Lord.  In addition, as part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at TMU, Micaiah also exhibits excellent campus leadership, acting as wing assistant in the dorms and looking for other opportunities to serve whenever they arise. Several examples include her participation in the team’s community project with the Children’s Hunger Fund and helping put on the Distance team’s cross country home meet in the fall and the Winter 5K.  This past summer, the Cross Country and Track & Field team held their first-ever kids track camp. Micaiah sacrificed the whole week to help with the camp and on the last day patiently and enthusiastically spent hours teaching 40 kids under the age of 13 how to throw the javelin.  Whether it is on campus or the track, at church or in the community, Micaiah approaches her leadership roles with compelling humility and a servant attitude that is superior.  After finishing her undergraduate in kinesiology, Micaiah is looking to help others by going into physical therapy.

Justin Bartlebaugh, Vanguard University
Justin Bartlebaugh, a native of Riverside, California, is a senior on the cross country and track & field teams at Vanguard University.  He exemplifies the meaning of servant leader through his involvement as a youth leader in his church.  Working with up to 10 teenaged boys every week at Sandals Church in Anaheim, Justin has helped the youth pastor with setting up, tearing down, programming, and an occasional teaching opportunity.  His dedicated work has helped grow the numbers from 10 participants to over 200 on the weekends.  After leading a devotional at a summer camp in high school, Justin realized he wanted to pursue vocational ministry.  As a Theology major at VU, Justin balances class, practice, and competition schedules with his involvement as an Academic Success Coach in the Student Resource Center.  He assisted a handful of students last semester with time management, organizational and study skills, helping them lay out daily schedules.  As an athlete who goes to school, serves in church and has a fiancé, Justin shared his wisdom on how to juggle various responsibilities.  In addition to his servant leadership, Justin displays consistent integrity which has helped him attain All-American status in track as well as captain roles on both the cross country and track teams. Class conflicts have caused him to miss various practices, which means he sometimes practices on his own, working hard while no one else is watching.  In addition to maintaining a 3.94 GPA, Justin has earned four NAIA Scholar-Athlete awards and was a member of the CoSIDA Academic All-District team.  His head coach, Bryan Wilkins, stated “Justin is a true Champion of Character and an inspiration to all who know him. He is passionate about his relationship with Christ and lives that out in his relationships with others.”

Faith Hunt, Vanguard University
Faith Hunt, from Yorba Linda, Calif., is a junior on the women’s soccer and track & field teams at Vanguard University.  She exhibits the NAIA core character values through her community service and campus contributions. She has volunteered over 150 hours through the National Charity League – and most recently – helped feed the elderly in her hometown with Meals on Wheels. A captain on the women’s soccer team, Faith also gives back to her sport as a coach with the Newport Mesa Pateadores Soccer Club, teaching fundamental skills to boys and girls ages 3-8.  Faith is also active with Legacy Church in Tustin as she serves on the worship team.  A Kinesiology major sporting a 3.98 GPA, Faith shares her voice on campus as the President of the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and serves as VU’s female representative to the Golden State Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Team. Believing in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead her, Faith has graciously accepted opportunities to speak at prestigious campus events such as the President Circle’s dinner and the groundbreaking ceremony for the new on-campus arena, the Freed Center for Leadership and Service.  One of her maxims in life is to use the gifts God has provided for His glory, and to do so with a servant’s heart. To that end, she won the Champion of Character award for her track team and participated as a Lion Leader for Vanguard’s Champions of Character class for all the new student-athletes on campus.  Being a lover of sports her entire life, Faith is about to embark on an internship in the VU Athletic Training room as she pursues her career goal of becoming an athletic trainer.  Her head coach, Lauren Mascaro, said “Faith is the epitome of a servant leader. The way she navigates relationships, leadership, tough conversations, and offers up her time to others with such grace and humility has earned the respect of her teammates, classmates, student-athletes, staff, and faculty. She always has a smile on her face and is known to be an encourager no matter what. She is Christ-like in every facet of her life, and that joy is contagious.”

Robbie Haw, Westmont College
Robbie Haw epitomizes what the Cliff Hamlow award stands for. Transferring to Westmont from Irvine Valley College in 2020, Robbie continued his high academic standard while pursuing his degree in Engineering.  During his time here at Westmont College, Robbie has shone brightly amongst his peers and our community. A two-year team captain on the baseball team is just the tip of the iceberg. He is a part of the Westmont College student government, as he is the Ocean View and Off Campus Senator.  Robbie also has worked with charitable events such as volunteering at the Santa Barbara Half Marathon, lead organizer of the Christmas Stocking Stuffer Program for underprivileged youth in Santa Barbara’s East Side Community, lead organizer for the 2022 Halloween event at the Ocean View Apartment Complex for the surrounding community, and participant in the Montecito Beautification Day.  Robbie has been an ongoing contributor with Westmont’s Homeless Outreach Program and worked with Seasons of Hope Christmas Foundation to provide toys, clothes, and food for people in need from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria.  On the field, Robbie has been Westmont's starting shortstop for the past two seasons and is a GSAC Golden Glove recipient and has been known to close out games on the mound. A .306 career hitter, Robbie has been the team's lead-off hitter and helped lead the team to the NAIA World Series last season.  Robbie is an exemplary representation of the five core values of the NAIA.  His positive influence and presence on Westmont’s campus is well evident by students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Lexi Malone, Westmont College
Lexi Malone has been at the heart of the Westmont College volleyball team for the last four years. She has shown constant work ethic, coachability, leadership, and intelligence. Lexi majored in Sociology on a Human Services Track with a 3.69 GPA. A three-time All-GSAC and a three-time Scholar-Athlete Award winner, Lexi was named to the 2019 NAIA All-Tournament team.  In four seasons, Lexi’s teams won three GSAC championships and went on to the NAIA National Championships four times. She is also a two-time All-American.  While at Westmont, Lexi was a summer missionary intern in Alabama where she worked as a counselor for underprivileged youth.  She has also served as a counselor at Royal Family Kids camp working with foster children and as a Turner Foundation Communications Intern which served under-resourced communities in housing and educational programs.  Lexi also interned for Westmont’s Center for Applied Technologies as an Admissions Development Representative, focusing on innovating admissions and building strong relationships with high schoolers.  She also worked for Lineage Family Office as a Client Services intern and assisted with their new family program teaching high school students about financial education and operating their website.  Lexi will go to graduate school to earn her Master’s in Social Work and be an advocate for foster youth. Lexi is a remarkable woman and has made a huge impact around the Westmont College campus and community.

Sam Smith, Jessup University
Now in his second year with Jessup University, Sam Smith has made a noticeable impact on his campus from the moment he joined the Warriors.  As one of the first signees for the Jessup Men's Tennis program, Smith has helped to shape the culture of a new program, but it is his work off the court that exemplifies his qualifications for the Cliff Hamlow Champions of Character award.  Jessup Tennis coach Chris Tolson said of Smith, "He embodies all the characteristics of what a Jessup student-athlete should be. He is a great leader on and off the court. He has a strong relationship with Christ, a great GPA, volunteers, works, competes at a high level on the tennis court, and represents the Jessup Community well."  Smith is the captain of the Jessup Men's Tennis team, Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and Treasurer for Kappa Mu Epsilon, the Jessup Math Fraternity. Smith uses his time to help his fellow students as a math tutor on campus, and with SAAC, he has helped work with organizations such as Convoy of Hope and Special Olympics.  Ranked No. 17 in the ITA West Rankings, Smith is a scholar-athlete off the court with a 3.88 GPA. The senior plans to continue his education next year in a graduate program, and while the future remains to be seen, a career as a tennis coach could be on the horizon.

Cloe Gunter, Jessup University
A GSAC Champion on the volleyball court, Cloe Gunter is a champion of character in all walks of her life.  In three seasons with the Warriors, Gunter played an integral role in the foundation of Jessup Volleyball's culture and success.  Head coach Tiger Shelton said of Gunter's heart, "Cloe has more love in her heart than any player I have ever been around. Now that I have had the opportunity to work with her for the last three years, I can honestly say there is nobody like her."  As a member of Jessup's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Gunter has assisted in community service projects with Convoy of Hope, along with an ongoing fundraiser with Special Olympics.  Jessup Volleyball has also given back to its community through special projects with the local Del Webb senior community in nearby Lincoln.  Her willingness to give back to the community shows in her career plans, as she is set to become a teacher at Valley Christian Academy following her graduation in the spring.  Shelton added a note on Gunter's servant's heart, noting, "She is the captain of my team and has been for two years. She is always the first one in the gym to set up. It got so bad we had to tell everyone that Cloe was not allowed to set up or take down nets. She leads our team in prayer all the time and is considered to be our Chaplin." Gunter's work in the church extends outside of Jessup, as she has run the sound system at her home church for the last three years.  In her time at Jessup, Cloe Gunter's impact has made a noticeable difference close to and away from the volleyball net.