CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference announced the College of Idaho as the recipient of the 2025-26 CCC School of Character Award.
The annual honor recognizes a member institution that exemplifies the NAIA Champions of Character program by intentionally modeling the five core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.
The College of Idaho earned the distinction through its department-wide commitment to developing student-athletes who excel not only in competition, but also in the classroom, on campus, and throughout the community. From coaches and administrators to student-athlete leaders, the Yotes have created an environment where the Champions of Character values are intentionally woven into the student-athlete experience.
One of the department's signature initiatives is its partnership with Be The Match, encouraging student-athletes to join the national stem cell donor registry. That commitment has already produced life-changing results, with multiple College of Idaho student-athletes identified as donor matches and moving forward with stem cell donations to help save the lives of patients battling life-threatening illnesses. This year's CCC Female Champion of Character, Keylee Wilson, was among those who completed a stem cell donation, demonstrating the profound impact of the department's commitment to servant leadership.
The College of Idaho has also made student-athlete leadership and mental health education central components of its culture. Through its partnership with the Jae Foundation, student-athletes participate in leadership development focused on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, accountability, and equipping teammates to support one another. The department continues to foster open conversations surrounding mental wellness while empowering student-athletes to lead by example.
Service throughout the Caldwell community remains a cornerstone of the Yotes' culture. Through the Legacy Program, College of Idaho student-athletes mentor and engage with more than 7,000 elementary school students across multiple school districts, encouraging leadership, kindness, and healthy lifestyles. The department also organizes the annual Special Olympics Idaho Field Day, bringing together local special education programs and College of Idaho student-athletes for a day centered on inclusion, encouragement, and meaningful connection.
Character development extends throughout every athletic program. Each year begins with a department-wide Champions of Character kickoff, while the five core values remain visible throughout the season through team discussions, campus programming, videoboard messaging, and leadership opportunities designed to reinforce integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
The department's culture of character was reflected throughout the Cascade Conference's annual awards this year. Head volleyball coach Liz Mendiola was named CCC Coach of Character of the Year, Keylee Wilson earned CCC Female Champion of Character honors, and the College of Idaho men's cross country team was recognized as the CCC Men's Team of Character. Together, those honors reflect a department-wide commitment to living out the Champions of Character values each day.
The College of Idaho continues to demonstrate that athletic success and character development go hand in hand, creating an environment where student-athletes are prepared to make a lasting impact long after their playing careers conclude.
The Cascade Conference congratulates C of I on the well-deserved honor and recognizes the Yotes' continued commitment to the Champions of Character ideals throughout their athletic department and community.
As this year's recipient, the College of Idaho will be nominated to represent the Cascade Collegiate Conference for the NAIA School of Character Award.