The Golden State Athletic Conference is proud to honor 16 student-athletes from across the conference with the 2024 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character award. The 10th annual Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award Banquet was held on Sunday, March 24th.  The award is given to one male and one female student-athlete on each GSAC campus who demonstrates outstanding athletic achievement, campus and community leadership, future ambition and embraces the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character program (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership).  Student-athletes must be at least a junior academically and carry a 3.0 GPA.  The award is named after former Commissioner Cliff Hamlow who served the conference from its inception in 1986 to 2012.  Dr. Hamlow was also a key leader in the creation of the NAIA's Champions of Character program.

The 2024 Award Recipients : 
Dominic Gonzalez, Arizona Christian University
Dominic Gonzalez is a junior student-athlete on the Arizona Christian University Men’s Basketball team.  Born and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Dominic is pursuing a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Biblical Studies, earning a 3.59 GPA and NAIA and GSAC Scholar Athlete honors.  Dom aspires a career engaging local youth through athletic and recreation opportunities, coaching and mentorship.  On the court, Gonzalez has been a key contributor to the Firestorm’s success over the past three seasons.  After overcoming a season ending injury towards the end of 2023, Dominic persevered and worked his way back for the 2023-24 season - competing in every game for the Firestorm this season.  On campus, Dominic serves as a leader of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, leads Bible studies on campus Wednesday mornings, and leads a small group at the Student-Athlete Leadership Chapels.  Additionally, Dominic serves at his former high school as a mentor for the boys basketball program to help guide and inspire local high school students towards achievement in education and athletics.  During the summer, Dominic works with local youth and teaches basketball lessons to promote the game and teach life lessons.  ACU Head Coach Jeff Rutter comments on Dominic, “he has a calming presence within our team.  He has been dependable, confident, and consistent as a leader on the team.”

Emily Till, Arizona Christian University
Emily Till is a junior student-athlete on the Arizona Christian University Women’s Basketball team.  Originally from Canyon City, Colorado, Emily serves her community in a variety of ways - including time invested at the St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Feed My Starving Children local ministry organizations.  Emily also serves in the youth ministry program at Canyon Community Baptist Church when she is home during school breaks, and serves at the Vacation Bible School summer program.  On campus, Emily serves as a leader on the Firestorm’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and as a key leader of the University’s Young Life organization.  As a Young Life leader, Emily leads her peers through regular Bible study and coordinates community building activities for the campus ministry.  On the court, Emily owns the single game rebounding record for the Firestorm with 20 rebounds.  She is described as a “game-changer” when she is on the court for the Firestorm, starting almost every game this season and averaging 9 points per game and 11 rebounds per game.  In the classroom, Emily maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in Behavioral Health.  Her academic achievements have landed her on the academic honor roll and earned NAIA Scholar Athlete recognition.  Emily is excited about her future career in speech language pathology, where she intends to serve children with special needs.  ACU Head Coach Rusty Rogers comments, “In 40 years of coaching, I have had very few student-athletes that have displayed Emily's love for others and leadership in such a consistent and passionate way.  What she has accomplished on the court pales in comparison to what she does day in and day out representing Christ, her family, and Arizona Christian University." 

Sebastian Castro, Hope International University
Sebastian Castro is a senior guard on the Hope International men’s basketball team who is a leader on and off the court while showcasing the NAIA's Champions of Character values.  On the court he is the team captain, displays great sportsmanship, and respects every one of his opponents. Castro is one of the top players on the men’s team starting nearly every game and was the second leading scorer last year while earning All-GSAC honors in the process. This season he has taken on a different role on the team after having his season cut short due to injury, but he is still there to motivate his team as a leader from the sidelines. Sebastian also displays great servant leadership through his activities in the community. The senior helps with cleaning trash and litter in his city through the partnership with his church, Crystal Cathedral. On campus, he showcases responsibility by being a life group leader where he leads his team by incorporating God and basketball as one. Sebastian likes to incorporate the teachings of the Bible into ethical and inspiring motives that are enveloped in the game of basketball. A GSAC and NAIA Scholar Athlete, Sebastian is a leader in the classroom as well. Majoring in financial planning, Sebastian’s future goals are to own his own firm and to play basketball professionally overseas. 

Shailissa Jarrett, Hope International University
Shailissa Jarrett is a senior guard on the Hope International women’s basketball team who is a leader on and off the court, always displaying the NAIA's Champions of Character values.  On the court she is the team captain, displays great sportsmanship, and respects all opponents. Jarrett is one of the top players on the women’s basketball team starting nearly every game and is the second leading scorer on the team. Shailissa also displays great servant leadership through her activities in the community volunteering for local sports leagues at the Whittier Area Community Church. She also serves as the worship vocalist at her church and has volunteered with Union Creative and The Fathers House Orange County. She has volunteered for Sports Jam, an event featuring Christian pro athletes to encourage young athletes to get involved in sports. She was a featured HIU student athlete for the 2022 event alongside NFL, NBA, and professional soccer players. She was a lead vocalist for the 2023 event and has been invited back to fill the same role for the 2024 event. She serves as the basketball camp director for IE Rain camp coaching kids 7-12 years old. On campus, she has been a small group leader for the last two years and a worship vocalist for Royals chapel. Academically, Shailissa is a Dean Honor Roll student and renaissance scholar. As a psychology major with a concentration in child and adolescent development and minoring in biblical studies it has been a blessing for her to be able to consider the intersectionality of psychology and biblical theology and has driven her to inspire people of all ages to work hard and passionately pursue their goals. Shailissa would like to get her doctorate in clinical psychology and become a college professor and therapist while also continuing to train basketball players of all ages. 

Donovan Carrillo, Jessup University
Now a senior at Jessup, Donovan Carrillo proudly wears the captain’s armband as a leader for the men’s soccer program both on and off the field. The Auburn native has played four seasons for the Warriors and most recently announced he will be returning for one final season in 2024, news that the entire campus was happy to hear. Carrillo was named the 2023 Male Athlete of the Year for Jessup University, an honor selected by the university’s administration and one that recognizes excellence not only in the field but also in the classroom and community. Carrillo’s head coach, Greg Lazaga, said of his midfielder, “Donovan exemplifies our team pillars: work, focus, finish, and honor. Donovan earned the role of team captain in his junior year because he was consistent, cared about his team, and always exhibited and honored a ‘yes coach’ attitude. I am always humbled when I see a young student-athlete with as much potential as Donovan come through our program. And proud to see him finish the race that he started years ago as a freshman.” At Jessup, Carrillo serves as the men’s soccer representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and through that, he has partnered in several community outreach programs with SAAC and his team. Carrillo took part in an Afghanistan refugee soccer outreach program and has also assisted in service projects with organizations such as Convoy of Hope. In the classroom, Carrillo is a scholar-athlete, and on the field, he has been recognized twice as an All-GSAC selection. Carrillo understands that there is more than what takes place on the field, as after every home game, he can be seen shaking the hands of all game management staff, thanking them for their work, and even assisting in the cleanup after a 90-minute battle. Carrillo is a true example of what it means to be a Jessup Warrior.

Taylor MacCuish, Jessup University
Jessup Volleyball’s Taylor MacCuish is a near-perfect example of what it means to be a student-athlete at a Christ-centered university. MacCuish, a graduate student at Jessup, was the 2023 recipient of the university’s Presidential Medallion, the highest honor awarded to any Jessup student-athlete. Selected by President Dr. John Jackson, the award honors the student-athlete who goes above and beyond on the playing surface, in the classroom, and in the community, much like that of the Cliff Hamlow Champions of Character Award. MacCuish, a team captain, has spent her summers at Jessup as a counselor at Hume Lake, working to spread the word of God to the younger generation. She has also led spiritual formation groups at Jessup and organized a visit to a pregnant teen center. MacCuish volunteers to coach volleyball at her former high school in Arroyo Grande, and she has also spent time with the local senior living community through their water volleyball program. On campus, MacCuish helps athletes across all sports as an intern in the university’s weight room. MacCuish has also excelled in competition. The 2022 season saw MacCuish and the Warriors claim the GSAC Championship, as she also earned All-GSAC and AVCA All-Region honors for her play. That summer, MacCuish was recognized at the AVCA Convention as the recipient of the AVCA Demonstrator Scholarship. The GSAC and NAIA Scholar-Athlete will return to Jessup for her final season of competition in 2024, meaning Jessup gets one more year of having this exemplary student-athlete as part of its community. 

Nathan Brummett, Life Pacific University
Nathan Brummett is a junior small forward on the Men’s Basketball team at Life Pacific University.  Throughout his time at LPU, Nathan has earned a 3.92 cumulative GPA and is on course to graduate next Spring with his bachelor’s degree in business administration.  Nathan has been a prominent presence on the LPU campus, representing both the basketball team and athletic department with integrity and discipline, not only on the court but in the classroom.  He has been on the Dean’s List and President’s List throughout his two years at Life Pacific.  During his time at Life, he has been serving the community by serving at the Royal Family Kids Camp Counseling as a camp counselor.  He has also done work for Shepperd’s Pantry, which aims to help support families in the Inland Empire with food and clothes.  Nathan has also represented LPU in a leadership capacity, serving as a member of the GSAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  When he is done with his bachelor’s degree at Life Pacific, he plans to train to be a paramedic and eventually become a firefighter, where he hopes to serve others and make an impact on his local community.

Ellyanna Edwards, Life Pacific University
Ellyanna Edwards is a senior midfielder on the Women’s Soccer team at Life Pacific University, where she has earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during her time in San Dimas.  She will be graduating this Spring with her undergraduate degree in Transformational Ministry. Ellyanna has been very active in the local community and abroad internationally.  She has served and volunteered with Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Santa Ana, where she led summer soccer camps.  She also was the middle school pastor at the Foursquare summer camp this past year.  Additionally, she has served on four different mission trips throughout her time at LPU where she was able to travel to El Salvador, Colombia, Cuba, and Romania.  During these trips, she got the opportunity to teach self-defense classes to refugee women, build homes for the homeless, and serve the local communities and church.  In March of 2024, she will be leading another mission trip to El Salvador.  After her time at LPU, she will be getting her Foursquare pastor’s license in order to enter into a role at a church that pertains to missions work, whether it be as a missions pastor or a global outreach coordinator.  She hopes to eventually incorporate sports into her missions work as well, specifically with soccer training.

Rysan Leong, Menlo College
Rysan Leong, a senior All-American on the Menlo Men’s Wrestling team, has contributed to his community on and off the mat throughout his time as an Oak. Rysan is working towards his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and has been named a Cascade Conference Academic All-Conference for four years straight and an NWCA Academic All-American for two while maintaining a 3.24 GPA. Leong, who was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii, has served as a leader in multiple clubs at Menlo, including the Pacific Islander Club which he participated in throwing Menlo’s annual Lu’au event each year, as well as being a member of the Accounting club. On top of on-campus engagement, Rysan is the definition of servant leadership. Head coach Joey Martinez says that Rysan, “embraces the responsibility to give back and contribute to society with all involvement in community outreach. His accountability with himself and how he holds everyone around him is why Menlo Men’s Wrestling continues to have successful years”. One-way Rysan serves his community is by taking part in Moving for Seniors, a collaboration with Careful Movers and Menlo Wrestling to donate services to help relocate senior veterans and citizens in San Mateo County, saving the participants more than $20,000 in expenses. The Wrestling program also partnered with Daly City School District to start a mentor program called “Menlo Mentors”, where middle school children received 1-on-1 tutoring, mentorship, athletic activities, and parent/community nights from members of the Menlo Wrestling team. When the reigning 2023 National Champion is not competing on the mat, you can likely find him at the gym coaching others on the art of fighting and wrestling. Ryan aspires to grow his Hawaii wrestling camps and give back to the community to provide them with more opportunity and connections in the wrestling world. Rysan has left his footprint on the Menlo campus and will be known as an excellent athlete, student, and servant leader.

Paige Harmann, Menlo College
Paige Harmann, team captain of the Women’s Volleyball team at Menlo College, is a junior setter from Peoria, Arizona and has been a campus leader from the very beginning of her Menlo career. When it comes to academics, Paige is a shining example of hard-work and achievement. Harmann is a straight A student and will be graduating as one of the top of her accounting class.  Harmann has been a part of the Dean’s list and has been named a GSAC and NAIA scholar-athlete all three years at Menlo for maintaining a 3.95 GPA. Harmann is a member of GSAC SAAC and has been the treasurer since the beginning of this year. Paige was awarded the Menlo College Richard F. O’Brien Award last year which is given to a student from each class who best exemplifies the true spirit of Menlo College. Paige is a one-of-a-kind individual who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She is a fierce friend who takes care of those around her. Paige is a prime example of what a student leader should be. Her energy is contagious and she’s able to make the people around her smile and laugh. When asked about Paige, her teammate Gabriella says, “I’ve had the pleasure of being friends with Paige on and off the court for the past three years now, and there's nobody more fun to be around. Paige brings an infectious energy wherever she goes”.

McKay Bundy, OUAZ
McKay Bundy is a graduate student at OUAZ and a member of the men’s basketball team. McKay hails from Modesto, CA and received his Bachelor of Arts degree last year in Sports Leadership, graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He is now in pursuit of a Master’s in Arts and Leadership degree. Bundy combines his passion for basketball with his leadership skills throughout the City of Surprise having volunteered to serve in varying capacities. Activities include organizing and manning booths for a local elementary school Halloween fair, recreation day for students with special needs and of course basketball camps for youth at OUAZ and the surrounding areas. McKay hopes to remain connected to basketball in the future as a coach to use the game to teach character and core values that he knows are also important life skills. As an athlete, McKay and the Spirit made it to the NAIA National Tournament in 2023 where they lost in the Fab Four to the eventual national champion. McKay's role on the team has increased significantly in 2024 where he started all games and averaged over 15 points per game.  McKay also led the GSAC in rebounds per game during the 2023-2024 season.

Grace Green, OUAZ
Grace Green is a graduate student athlete on the OUAZ women's soccer team. Green holds a 3.7 GPA and received her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Green is currently working towards her master’s degree in leadership at OUAZ. Green was a five year member of the Spirit soccer team and has appeared in over 70 matches in her playing career. Grace continually gives back to the community. She has been a Field Marshall at Arizona Soccer Association tournaments, coaching the CCV Stars (a church-sponsored athletics program that hosts volunteer coaches), and coaching other local youth camps. Grace is a key leader that has stepped up in her five years at OUAZ. She has been an amazing presence on not only the team, but as a part of the entire Surprise campus and community. Grace has worked for student affairs and the fan shop, where she helps her fellow OUAZ students in many different ways.  Grace has been recognized multiple times as a GSAC and NAIA Scholar-Athlete. 

Will Avera, The Master’s University
Will Avera is a first year graduate student from Fresno, California pursuing his MBA at The Master’s University. Avera has been a part of the men’s volleyball team for the past two years and completed his undergraduate degree in political studies in the Spring of 2023 with a 3.81 GPA. As a member of the men’s volleyball team, Will has been a starter and captain who competed every match during the 2022 & 2023 seasons with the exception of missing three matches due to an injury. On the court, Avera was named to the All-GSAC team in 2023.  Last season his team made their first ever NAIA national tournament appearance and advanced all the way to the semifinals. Will is known for his hard work, integrity, and sportsmanship and is an incredible example of a Christ centered approach to volleyball. In his time at Master’s, Will has been involved in campus leadership as both an Resident Assistant and SAAC representative. Will just recently got back to TMU after serving in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the fall of 2023 at a high school coaching boys volleyball and working hand in hand with missionaries who served throughout east Asia. He embodies being a champion of character through his integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership through The Master’s community and every community he is a part of.

Kate Merical, The Master’s University
Kate Merical is an undergraduate student pursuing her bachelor's in Teachers Education at The Master's University and has a 3.93 GPA . Merical has been a part of the women’s soccer team for the past three years at TMU. As a member of the TMU soccer team, Kate earned a starting spot on the team in a position she had never played before. The team was in a great need of a central defender who is the anchor in the back and leader of the team.  Kate embraced what was being asked of her and in doing so was selected to the all-conference team and was voted the TMU Defensive MVP.  Away from the field, Merical's dedication and good character shone brightly through her volunteer work at Windsor Christian Church and Vacation Bible School. Her unwavering patience and ability to have fun with the children on a personal level have not only enriched the kids at WCC, but also those new and visiting kids who are discovering the gospel. She's taken initiatives, sought ways to be helpful, and diligently applied herself to a variety of tasks. Kate's genuine care and enthusiasm for volunteering embodies the very essence of community service, making her an exemplary figure whose actions inspire others to give back.  Assistant TMU soccer coach Shelby Willis stated, "As a teammate of Kate Merical’s for a full season, I quickly learned that her goal as a collegiate student-athlete was to try to be the hardest worker on & off the field. Now as one of her coaches this past season, I was able to see her work ethic through a different lens. She set the tone for the rest of her teammates, holding them to a high standard always. It was amazing to see a player so passionate about the game but also be a great leader to her teammates while having outstanding character."

Aaron Zubiate, Vanguard University
Aaron Zubiate, a native of Alta Loma, California, is a graduate student on the baseball team at Vanguard University. He exemplifies the meaning of servant leader through his involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club at Vanguard called “The Trust.” His work with FCA also led him to serve for two summers with the Shepherds, in which an internship allowed him to put on a youth baseball camp for over 800 kids ages 6-12. Aaron was blessed to work alongside fellow college-aged interns, learning that 224 camp attendees had decided to follow Jesus for the first time as a result of hearing the Gospel. “Aaron Zubiate is a tremendous example of a high character student-athlete,” said Baseball Head Coach Rob Pegg. “He’s a person every coach and teammate wants to have on their team. His character is a result of his love and relationship with Jesus the Christ. When meeting about his goals and desire for the year, he said his greatest desire is to be at the feet of Jesus in serving his team. He leads by example and his actions are consistent everyday.” Receiving his undergraduate degree in May 2023 in History/Political Science, he maintained a 3.92 GPA which enabled him to be inducted into the Delta Kappa Honors Society and the Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, In addition, he was humbled and honored to receive the Phi Alpha Theta Award for the highest GPA in his department. Aaron is also a repeat honoree for both GSAC and NAIA Scholar-Athlete accolades. Finally, Aaron received the prestigious Bob and Tammy Wilson Character award in the spring of 2023. Aaron is currently enrolled in the Graduate Education program at Vanguard, where he will obtain his teaching credential by December 2024. He hopes to become an 11th grade high school History teacher after pursuing his Masters in Education.

Alyssa Fong, Vanguard University
Alyssa Fong, from Rescue, Calif., is a graduate student midfielder on the women’s soccer team at Vanguard University. Alyssa is an example of someone who pours her heart into Christ, which gives her meaning in exhibiting the NAIA core character values through community and campus contributions. For the past two years, Alyssa and her team have volunteered at High-5 Friday at Rea Elementary School in Costa Mesa, greeting and cheering on the kids as they entered the school. She also helped run a kid’s soccer clinic at Vanguard, overseeing a station where she taught the participants how to dribble. In addition, she volunteered at the Live 2 Free Fashion Show, which raises awareness about slave labor in the fashion industry. Her campus involvement has run the gamut from working sporting events to assisting the athletic department and being a part of the SALT Committee, which represents the athletic teams. “Alyssa truly embodies each of the NAIA Champions of Character core values day in and day out,” said women’s soccer teammate Takara Kiesel. “She has accomplished so much and deservedly received many accolades, but what myself and others love about her most is how she seeks God’s heart daily.” As a captain on the women’s soccer team, Alyssa’s leadership put her in position to become a Lion leader for the past two years, giving her a platform to introduce and teach Vanguard’s Character values to the school’s incoming student-athletes. Alyssa’s thirst to strengthen her relationship with the Lord opened up an opportunity this past summer to go with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to Israel, giving her a new lens with which to see the Bible. It helped her become a better leader, friend, daughter, and teammate. “Alyssa wonderfully embodies the Champions of Character core values on and off the field,” said VU women’s soccer head coach Emily Reynolds. “As our team captain, she leads by example. Her positive attitude and relentless work ethic are contagious. The younger players look up to her as someone they aim to be like. She often shares with us what’s on her mind and heart, and her words help bring God’s light into our team.” A GSAC and NAIA Scholar-Athlete recipient, Alyssa maintained a 4.0 GPA through her entire undergraduate academic career as she earned her BA in Business Administration in December 2023. She is now pursuing her graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a future goal of helping others with consulting.