The GSAC is proud to honor 15 student-athletes from across the conference with the 2025 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award. 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 Dr. Cliff Hamlow, who served the conference from its inception in 1986 to 2012. Dr. Hamlow was also a key leader in creating the NAIA's Champions of Character program and was recently inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for a second time.
Here is the class of 2025:
Lionel McPhaull Jr., Arizona Christian
An Elementary Education major at Arizona Christian University, McPhaull demonstrates exemplary character and leadership that embodies the spirit of the Cliff Hamlow Award. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, McPhaull has earned an impressive 3.67 GPA and distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete while earning Honorable Mention All-GSAC recognition in the 200m and 400m events in 2024. He is also captain of the track team and a SAAC leader for the Firestorm. McPhaull leads by example while fostering a culture of service and spiritual growth. His dedication to youth development shines through his role as a YoungLife leader at ACU and his work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he mentors middle school students. His commitment to community service extends from Arizona to Nebraska, including involvement with Thanksgiving Day Feast for the homeless and the YMCA's back-to-school drive. McPhaull's faith plays a central role in his leadership, as he actively participates in worship ministries at both North Phoenix Baptist Church (AZ) and Ambassador Worship Center (NE). His summer ministry work at Lake Tahoe Summer Mission through CRU Ministries further demonstrates his dedication to spiritual mentorship and youth development.
Graciela Roybal, Arizona Christian
Graciela Roybal is a senior captain for the Arizona Christian University Firestorm women's basketball program. As a Biology major from Chandler, Arizona, Graciela exemplifies the ideals of the Cliff Hamlow Award through her exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to service. Maintaining a 3.96 GPA, Roybal has earned recognition as a GSAC Scholar Athlete in 2022 and 2023, while being named a CSC Academic All-District honoree and NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2023. As team captain, Roybal demonstrates leadership both on and off the court. Her involvement in campus life spans multiple organizations, including the Biology Club, Creation Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and participation in Student-Athlete Leadership Chapel. Her commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character Initiative is evident through her servant leadership, where she serves in a variety of ways to help the team. Graciela serves in uncommon ways for her teammates, such as running the scoreboard at development team contests, managing the team's laundry, and locker room maintenance. All this while averaging 10 points per game throughout her career and leading the Firestorm to their first GSAC Conference Championship in 2025!
Bobby Romitti, Benedictine Mesa
Bobby Romitti exemplifies the true spirit of the NAIA Champions of Character program through his dedication to academics, campus leadership, and community service. A committed student, Bobby has maintained a 3.805 cumulative GPA, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters and securing a place on the Dean's List every term at Benedictine University. His strong work ethic and positive character were recognized with the prestigious Redhawk Award given to those who exemplify Benedictine's values during their sport. On campus, Bobby plays an active role in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he helps organize pregame events and serves as a liaison between student-athletes and administration. Through this position, he advocates for his teammates, ensuring their voices are heard and fostering a supportive athletic community. Bobby's impact extends far beyond campus through his dedication to service. Passionate about addressing food insecurity, he has volunteered at the local food bank in Mesa, providing essential resources to those in need. He gives back in his hometown of Sacramento by coaching and mentoring young athletes at his family's baseball facility. He uses his experience to develop their skills and instill valuable life lessons.
Hailey White, Benedictine Mesa
Hailey White embodies the NAIA Champions of Character core values through her dedication to academics, campus leadership, and community service. A committed student, she has consistently maintained a place on the honor roll throughout her college career, earning a 3.396 GPA while balancing her academic responsibilities with leadership and service. On campus, Hailey plays an active role in student life, assisting the Student Life Director in organizing events and encouraging greater student involvement. As a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), she fosters inclusivity and supports initiatives that promote cultural awareness and unity within the Benedictine community.
Beyond campus, Hailey is deeply committed to giving back. She regularly volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, donates toys and clothing to church drives, and provides prom dresses to students in need from her high school. During the holiday season, she finds ways to make a difference—whether by participating in Christmas programs that provide clothes for local elementary students, volunteering at St. Mary's Food Bank to distribute Thanksgiving meals, or helping her family prepare and distribute lunches to the homeless. Her generosity and compassion shine through in all she does, making a lasting impact on those around her.
Nick Logan, Embry-Riddle
A senior from Phoenix, Arizona, Nick Logan has been an outstanding representative for Embry-Riddle and the NAIA during his time in Prescott. In addition to being a team captain for the men's cross country team, Logan has held many leadership positions on campus, including founding and serving as the president of the Cubing Club, a Honeywell mentee, the fabrication team project manager for the EagleWorks Advanced Vehicle Lab, and working as a TA and tutor. Active off campus, he volunteers for Prescott Empty Bowls, a charity event supporting local food banks. Logan took on a leadership role in organizing the setup and teardown for events and was responsible for coordinating ~15 members of the men's and women's ERAU cross-country teams to assist with moving, assembling and dismantling tents, tables, chairs, and signs. He has also been a standout on the cross country and track teams, earning multiple all-conference awards in cross country and track and qualifying for the NAIA National Track Championships in the steeplechase. An NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, he has a 3.93 GPA in Mechanical Engineering. He aspires to a position with a large aerospace company, focusing on the design of rocket or jet engines.
Emma Almodoba, Embry-Riddle
A senior from Tucson, Arizona, Emma Almodoba has stood out for Embry-Riddle in both the community and on the field since she stepped on campus. She is very active in the ERAU Student-Athlete Advisory Council, managing social media for the group and being selected as the vice-chair for the group as a senior. On campus, she has served as an Orientation Leader, providing guidance to first-year students and organizing events to foster a sense of community among first-year students. She has also worked tirelessly in the athletic department, working on the game operations team and as a supervisor for intramurals. An outfielder on the Eagles' softball team, she was the Cal Pac Player of the Year as a junior and earned All-America status. Almodoba has also earned CSC Academic All-District and NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete honors. A Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination major, she carries a 3.73 GPA and will work in the accounting field after graduation as a Financial Auditor for the Arizona Auditor General.
Luis Diaz, Hope International
Luis Diaz is a senior on the Hope International men's cross country and track and field team who is a leader on and off the track while showcasing the NAIA Champions of Character values. Diaz demonstrates sportsmanship and integrity on the track as one of the top runners on the team and earned All-GSAC honors while leading the men's track and field 4x800m relay team to a school record last season. Diaz showcases great responsibility by helping out as a student worker for HIU Athletics, where he assists baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball and soccer with game management duties including working the ticket table, the livestream or retrieving balls.
Diaz also displays strong servant leadership by volunteering for an after-school program called OC United to help out with elementary school kids. He assists the students with doing different activities to keep them active and teaches them to respect others by leading by example. He also attends church at St. John Newman in Irvine, where he goes on retreats to connect more with people and grow closer in his faith. Diaz, a GSAC and NAIA Scholar Athlete, is also a leader in the classroom. As a business administration major, Diaz plans to get a Master's degree in finance with the goal of working in the finance industry.
Emma Timmermans, Hope International
Emma Timmermans is a senior on the Hope International women's cross country and track and field teams. She is a leader on and off the track while showcasing the NAIA Champions of Character values. On the track, she displays great sportsmanship and respect towards her opponents as the top runner on the team, becoming the first cross country runner in Royals history to earn All-American honors. A four time All-GSAC recipient Timmermans also shows great responsibility as a leader on campus serving as Lifegroup Bible Study Leader where she guides a group of girls through scripture reading, prayer and discussion; a tutor where she tutors English, Kinesiology, lower Bible, time management and more; a Kinesiology Club participant where she has volunteered at different events for elementary school kids to promote and test fitness at the Honda Center once a year and a Kinesiology TA where she assists in exercise physiology, human anatomy and physiology as well as serving as a member of the GSAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Timmermans attends church at Calvary Central OC, where she continues to give back through her young adult group, where they went over winter break to put on VBS-style skits, games and messages at an orphanage in Mexico called Ninos con Fe. She has also volunteered for Forever Kids: Case for character, which provides outreach to foster kids and involves giving them new suitcases when moving from home to home.
Dylan Cabs, Life Pacific
Dylan Cabs is a junior power forward on the Men's Basketball team at LPU. Throughout his time at LPU, Dylan has earned a 3.10 cumulative GPA and is on course to graduate next Spring with his degree in Human Development and Psychology. Dylan has been a prominent presence on the LPU campus, representing both the Basketball team and the Athletic Department with integrity, discipline, and leadership, not only on the court but in the classroom. During his time at Life, he has served at his local church by volunteering to operate the camera for the services. He also evangelizes in his local community, aiming to spread the gospel to those who do not know the Lord. He has also done work for Shepherd's Pantry, which aims to help support families in the Inland Empire with food and clothes. On campus, Dylan mentors many of the younger students and student-athletes, with the hope that he can impart wisdom from his own life experiences. When he finishes his Bachelor's degree at Life Pacific, he hopes to play professional basketball overseas, followed by coaching or becoming a sports psychologist for student-athletes.
Johnathan Garcia, OUAZ
Johnathan Garcia embodies what it means to be an OUAZ student-athlete, setting the bar with his fierce leadership, academic brilliance, and impactful community service. As the first person in his family to attend college, he has been a cornerstone of the OUAZ Men's Soccer team's defense, earning multiple shutouts and securing prestigious NCCAA All-Region honors as the team's powerhouse goalkeeper. But Johnathan's excellence doesn't stop at the field. With an impressive 3.87 GPA, he's mastering the rigorous demands of an engineering degree, demonstrating an unmatched commitment to both his academics and athletics. Juggling the intense schedules of being a top-tier athlete and a dedicated student, his relentless work ethic and passion for learning shine through. Off the field, Johnathan is a beacon of selflessness. From volunteering at his church and leading soccer clinics to participating in the Walk and Roll for Inclusion and refereeing at the Special Olympics, he continually gives back, proving his devotion to making a difference in the lives of others. Respected by his teammates, coaches, and faculty alike, Johnathan is more than just a stellar athlete—he's a true mentor and role model. He guides his teammates in their sport and faith, actively nurturing leadership within the Men's Soccer team.
Angel Addleman, OUAZ
Angel Addleman is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete at OUAZ, embodying excellence in every aspect of her Life. Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, Angel has proven herself as a standout performer for the Spirit Women's Basketball team, consistently dominating the court with an impressive 14.6 points per game, while regularly being considered for Player of the Week honors. But her brilliance doesn't stop there. Off the court, Angel balances her athletic success with academic rigor, maintaining a remarkable 3.95 GPA as she pursues a degree in Communications. Her academic achievements have positioned her as a top contender for Scholar Athlete recognition at the NCCAA and GSAC. However, her commitment to leadership and service sets Angel apart. As a cornerstone of the Worship band, she passionately contributes to Spirit Life gatherings and other Christian events, enriching the university community with her faith and dedication. Her influence stretches beyond the classroom and the court, as she volunteers to assist the elderly and coaches youth basketball players at local camps, inspiring the next generation both on and off the court. Angel's unyielding drive for excellence, whether in athletics, academics, leadership, or service, has made her a true role model.
Diego Bejarano, Park Gilbert
Diego Bejarano has been a Park University Gilbert Buccaneer almost as long as the school has been around, and his impact on the people at the school and surrounding communities has been immeasurable. Diego is well known and liked throughout campus by students, faculty and staff alike. He is heavily involved in campus engagement activities as a work-study student and has also been involved in gameday operations at athletic events. Bejarano has been asked to speak at new student orientation to help student-athletes new to Park, whether they are freshmen or a transfer student, get a glimpse into what Life as a Buccaneer is like. Diego is also involved in the community, helping to coach needy kids every weekend at a local high school. Diego also has worked with Feed My Starving Children, a faith-based organization that helps provide food to underprivileged children in third-world countries. Diego is respected not only by his teammates but also by opponents. For example, last season, an errant throw took Bejarano off the bag at first into the path of the oncoming runner, who accidentally kneed him in the neck. As he lay on the ground, the opposing team came out of the dugout to ensure he was okay because they respected him and how he treated them.
Kayla Schroeder, Park Gilbert
Kayla Schroeder exemplifies everything it means to be a student-athlete. Kayla has had a 4.0 GPA throughout her college career. She has impacted her teammates, the Park University-Gilbert community and the Arizona and Wisconsin communities as a whole. Kayla, who hails from Neenah, Wisc., was one of the founding members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on the Park-Gilbert campus. She is also heavily involved in the school's Student Athlete Council as its vice-president. In addition, she has worked with the Special Olympics and Farm Fridays in her home community in Wisconsin to help special needs children learn how to do activities to help around a farm. Locally in the Phoenix area, she has worked with Feed My Starving Children, a faith-based organization that provides food to needy people in third-world countries. She has also worked with companies that help with dog adoption and helped with making kits for the National Bone Marrow Donor program. Park Gilbert head women's basketball coach Ben York says, "Kayla represents the NAIA's five core values every day of her Life, and it is not something she consciously does, it is just who she is. She has been a fantastic leader, reaching out to players, hosting potential recruit visits, organizing team-building activities, and getting multiple degrees completed during her time at Park."
Connor Ybarra, The Master's
Connor Ybarra is a senior from Peoria, Arizona. He is in his fourth year on the Track & Field and Cross Country teams and has been a valuable asset the entire time. Connor has excelled athletically, and as a many-time all-GSAC award winner and All-American, Connor has been a key contributor to the highest team finishes in program history. Outside of competition, Connor's character and Christ-likeness have led him to become our team captain and a key leader amongst his peers. His humility and desire to be a servant leader show in athletics and his church, as Connor serves in the Awana ministry. This level of excellence does not stop in the classroom, as Connor has achieved excellence in his accounting degree with a 3.6 GPA. He looks forward to a career in accounting and a life of service in his church after graduation.
Hannah Fredericks, The Master's
Hannah Fredericks is a senior from Santa Clarita, California. Her four years on the Track & Field and Cross Country teams have displayed excellence in every way. She is a hard worker who does not know how to complain, which allows her to be a great leader. Hannah's athletic accolades are hard to summarize, as she has many All-American honors and multiple national titles and has led the women's Cross Country team to their first-ever NAIA national championship. Outside athletics, her excellence is clear in her work ethic and service in her church. Hannah serves in youth ministry at Grace Community Church and boasts a 3.37 GPA. She has a heart for serving those who are in her life. After college, Hannah looks forward to pursuing a teaching credential as she continues to serve in her local church.