CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference is proud to announce Keylee Wilson of College of Idaho and Joao Lucas Fonseca of Northwest University as the 2025-26 CCC Champions of Character of the Year recipients.
The annual award recognizes one male and one female student-athlete who exemplify the Champions of Character five core values; Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. The award is voted on by the conference athletic directors based on nominations from member institutions.
A junior elementary education major from Melba, Idaho, Wilson has distinguished herself through leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. A member of both the College of Idaho volleyball and beach volleyball programs, Wilson serves as a team captain and Association of Student-Athletes representative while consistently seeking opportunities to positively impact her campus and community.
Wilson played a key role in planning and facilitating two major student-athlete initiatives during the academic year. She helped organize the Jae Foundation leadership trip, which brought together representatives from every athletic program for discussions and training focused on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and supporting teammates through challenges. The experience emphasized reducing stigma, strengthening communication, and equipping student-athletes with resources to foster healthier team environments.
She also helped coordinate the Special Olympics Idaho Field Day, welcoming local special education programs to campus for a day of inclusive activities alongside College of Idaho student-athletes. Through her efforts, Wilson helped create meaningful experiences centered on connection, encouragement, and belonging.
Despite undergoing two hip labrum surgeries in early 2025 that sidelined her during the spring season, Wilson remained fully invested in her teams by attending practices and providing unwavering support to her teammates. During the summer, she took the initiative to redesign and rebuild her team's locker room, creating a welcoming environment that reflected her commitment to team culture and community.
Wilson's servant leadership extends beyond campus as well. She participated in the Be The Match registry and was identified as a compatible stem cell donor, ultimately completing the donation process in August. Her willingness to help strangers exemplifies the selflessness and compassion at the heart of the Champions of Character program.
Wilson was also the recipient of the 2025 Cashell Family Impact Scholarship, recognizing her lasting influence on those around her through leadership and service.
Other Female Nominees: Bushnell University’s Jada Richwine, Eastern Oregon University’s Mylie Mills, Lewis-Clark State College’s Dallis Shockey, Northwest University’s Ava Hoy, Simpson University’s Emily Melo, Southern Oregon University’s Kat Hingano
Fonseca, a graduate student in business administration from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has consistently demonstrated the Champions of Character values through servant leadership, mentorship, faith-based service, and a commitment to uplifting those around him.
As a member of the Northwest University men's soccer program, Fonseca has made a lasting impact throughout the athletic department and broader community. He has volunteered extensively with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and SAMBICA, while serving as a representative for Northwest University's student-athlete leadership organization.
Over the past two seasons, Fonseca has organized and led preseason Bible studies for student-athletes, helping foster community, mentorship, and personal growth among his peers. His leadership has provided meaningful opportunities for connection and support within Northwest's athletic programs.
Beyond athletics, Fonseca has worked in both campus dining services and the athletics department for the past two years, consistently demonstrating humility, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. He is also actively involved in several Christian ministries and organizations, including Young Life College, Navigators at the University of Washington, and Run with Christ, a Christian running club focused on fellowship and faith.
Through his service, leadership, and dedication to others, Fonseca has become a respected role model on campus, embodying integrity and servant leadership in every aspect of his collegiate experience.
Other Male Nominees: Bushnell University’s Ty Kishen, Eastern Oregon University’s Braden Carson, Lewis-Clark State College’s Ephan Bulla, Southern Oregon University’s Tyler Rhue