NAIA National Recognition

 Award winners have been recognized in areas emphasizing academics, character, and athletic performance, as well as, celebrating contributions to the overall success of the organization.
 
A.O. Duer National Award- Named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary for his 26 years of service to the Association, the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award has been presented since 1967 to one male and one female junior student-athlete in any sport who have excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship. Nominees must be at least a junior academically with a minimum 3.75 GPA.
 
2010- Colleen Smith, The College of Idaho
2016- Kellen Luey, Corban
 
Emil S. Liston National Award - Named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the men's basketball tournament, Emil Liston Scholarship Award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men's and one junior women's basketball student-athlete who has shown high athletic and scholastic achievement. Nominees must be at least a junior academically with a minimum 3.50 GPA.
 
2010- Ian Logan, Corban
2019-Joel Johnson, Corban
 
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champion of Character - The Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award for student-athletes is one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA and was created in association with National Sports Foundation, a group of sports organizations that promote and recognize sportsmanship.  Dr. Walker was a former president of the NAIA and president emeritus of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Nominees must be at least of junior academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA and have eligibility remaining. The award honors outstanding student-athletes for their academics, athletics, leadership and dedication to living the core values of Champions of Character.
 
2005- Amanda Larsen, Concordia
2008- Cody Aker, Concordia
2010- Dylan Smith, Concordia
2018- Maya Ah You Dias, Eastern Oregon
2022- Samantha Silver, Bushnell
 
Outstanding Performer/MVP- Award recognizes performances during an NAIA Championship
 
1994- Alper Kasapoglu, Western Oregon- Men's Outdoor T/F
1995- Sandie Graves, Western Oregon- Women's Basketball
1995- Troy Silva, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
1996- Alper Kasapoglu, Western Oregon- Men's Outdoor T/F
1996- Sandie Graves, Western Oregon, Women's Basketball
1996- Damon Archilbald, College of Idaho-Basketball
1998- Glenn Garrison, MSUN-Wrestling
1999- Jason Ellison, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2000- Wes Hutchinson, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2001-Turk Lords, MSUN-Wrestling
2002- Andy Torres, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2002- Tyson Thivierge, MSUN-Wrestling
2003- Emmett Wison, MSUN-Wrestling
2003-Marc Kaiser, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2004- Emmett Wilson, MSUN-Wrestling
2004- Kevin Baker, Oregon Tech-Basketball
2005-Stryder Davis, MSUN-Wrestling
2006-Allen Balmer, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2007- Beau Mills, Lewis-Clark State-Baseball
2008-Jackie Pronovost, Concordia-Women's Soccer (defense)
2008-Annie Hess, Concordia- Women's Outdoor T/F
2008- Ryan Fiegi, Oregon Tech-Basketball
2008- Brian Ward, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2008- Michael Mason-British Columbia- Men's Outdoor T/F
2011- Jackie Imhof, Oregon Tech- Softball
2011-Robbie Haynie, Eastern Oregon- Men's Indoor T/F
2012-Robbie Haynie, Eastern Oregon- Men's Indoor T/F
2012- Bobby Hunter-Oregon Tech-Basketball
2012- Mitchell Lofstedt, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2013- Willie Irwin, Concordia- Men's Outdoor T/F
2013- Hillary Holt, College of Idaho- Women's Indoor T/F
2013-Jasmin Ayala, Concordia- Women's Soccer (MVP)
2013- Hannah Scott, Concordia-Women's Soccer (offense)
2014- Hillary Holt, College of Idaho- Women's Indoor T/F
2014- Darien Moore, Concordia- Men's Indoor T/F
2014- Brock Gutches, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2015- Brock Gutches, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2015- Maria Bernard, UBC- Women's Outdoor T/F
2015- Matthew Clowes, Concordia- Men's Indoor T/F
2015- Beau Kerns, Lewis-Clark State-Baseball
2016- Blake Cooper, Warner Pacific- Wrestling
2016- Jacob Zanon, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2017- Brendon Weber, MSUN- Wrestling
2018- J.J. Robinson, Lewis-Clark State-Baseball
2019- Anthony Orozco, Menlo College-Wrestling
2019- Lauren Quirke, Southern Oregon- Softball
2021- Riley Donovan, Southern Oregon- Softball
2022- Rowan Hamilton, British Columbia- Men's Outdoor T/F
2023- Charles Elzie, College of Idaho- Men's Basketball
2023- Cayla Williams, Southern Oregon-Softball
2023- Isaiah Thomas, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2024- Hunter Sparks, Eastern Oregon-Wrestling
2025- David Rubio, Corban-Men's Wrestling
2025- Samaje Morgan, College of Idaho- Men's Basketball
2025- Olivia Lundman, British Columbia- Women's Outdoor T/F
2025- Ayla Davies, Southern Oregon- Softball

 
National Player of the Year- Recognizes the cumulative performance of a student-athlete throughout a season of competition.
 
2004- Caitie Davidson, Concordia- Women's Soccer
2006- Shea Washington, Southern Oregon-Basketball
2007- Beau Mills, Lewis-Clark State, Baseball
2008- Jackie Pronovost, Concordia-Women's Soccer
2008- Ryan Fiegi, Oregon Tech, Basketball
2008- Kyle Green, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2010- Mitchell Lofstedt, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2013- Oliver Gore, Rocky Men's Soccer
2013- Hannah Kimsey, Concordia-Women's Soccer
2015- Brock Gutches, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2017- Ben Stroh, MSUN-Wrestling
2018- Harlee Donovan, Southern Oregon- Softball
2019- Maya Ah You Dias, Eastern Oregon- Women's Basketball
2021- Lauren Quirke, Southern Oregon-Softball
2022- Riley Donovan, Southern Oregon-Softball
2023- Riley Troutman, Corban-VB Attacker of the Year
2023- Gulomjon Abdullaev, Menlo- Men's Wrestling
2023- Haley Loffer, College of Idaho- Softball
2025- Ayla Davies, Southern Oregon- Softball (Pitcher of the Year)

 
National Coach of the Year
 
1993- John Knight, Western Oregon- Men's Outdoor T/F
1995- Rusty Rogers, Western Oregon- Women's Basketball
1996- Rusty Rogers, Western Oregon- Women's Basketball
1996- Ed Cheff, Lewis Clark State-Baseball
1997- Ben Welch, Eastern Oregon- Women's Cross Country
1997- Roger Schmidt, Northwest Nazarene- Women's Basketball
1998- David Ray, MSU-Northern- Wrestling
1999- David Ray, MSU-Northern- Wrestling
1999- Ed Cheff, Lewis Clark State-Baseball
2000- David Ray, MSU-Northern- Wrestling
2001- Mike Ritchey, Southern Oregon- Wrestling
2001- Ann Oishi, British Columbia-Women's Golf
2002- Bill Taylor, Northwest-Women's Cross Country
2002- Ed Cheff, Lewis Clark State-Baseball
2004- David Ray, MSU-Northern-Wrestling
2004- Danny Miles, Oregon Tech- Men's Basketball
2004- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Women's Golf
2008- Danny Miles, Oregon Tech- Men's Basketball
2008- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Men's Golf
2010- Brent Erickson, Southern Oregon- Men's Cross Country
2010- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia-Women's Gold
2011- Randy Dalzell, Concordia- Track/Field
2011- Greg Stewart, Oregon Tech- Softball
2013- Grant Landy, Concordia- Women's Soccer
2013- Mike Ritchey, Southern Oregon- Wrestling
2015- Heike McNeil, Northwest Christian- Women's Cross Country
2015- Jerimiah Robbins, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2016- Jerimiah Robbins, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2016- Grier Gatlin, Southern Oregon- Men's Cross Country
2017- Laurier Primerau- British Columbia- Men's Outdoor T/F
2018- Jack Kegg, Oregon Tech- Women's Cross Country
2019- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Women's Golf
2019- Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon- Softball
2019- Laurier Primerau- British Columbia- Men's Outdoor T/F
2019- Laurier Primerau- British Columbia- Women's Outdoor T/F
2020- Colby Blaine-College of Idaho-Men's Basketball
2021- Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon- Softball
2022- Laurier Primerau- British Columbia- Women's Outdoor T/F
2023- Gabrielle Weyhrich, Southern Oregon's Wrestling
2023- Colby Blaine-College of Idaho-Men's Basketball
2023- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Men's Golf
2023- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Women's Golf
2023-Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon- Softball
2023- Dominic Bolin, College of Idaho-Women's Cross Country
2024- Michael Ayala, Menlo College-Women's Wrestling
2024- Laurier Primerau- British Columbia- Women's Outdoor T/F
2024- Dominic Bolin, College of Idaho- Men's Cross Country
2025- Colby Blaine-College of Idaho-Men's Basketball
2025- Chris MacDonald, British Columbia- Women's Golf
2025- Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon- Softball
 
Charles Morris Award- Recognizes administrators in all phases of NAIA athletic programs (ex., FARS, Eligibility Chairs, Commissioners, Sports Chairs, etc.) on college campuses and/or administrators of affiliated conferences/A.I.I.  It was initiated in memory and honor of past NAIA Associate Executive Director Charles Morris, and recipients should exemplify the loyalty and enthusiasm Charles Morris had for the NAIA.
 
2000- Howard Morris- Oregon Tech
2024- Mickie Bush, CCC

Wally Swartz Award- Recognizes a conference/CAC (Independents) and national Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year. The award honors the late Wally Schwartz, former NAIA vice-president of Legislative Services. The intent is to consider members who are FARs in all phases of the FARA on college campuses and at the conference level. The recipient should exemplify the loyalty, enthusiasm, and honesty that Wally Schwartz exemplified on behalf of the NAIA.
 
2016- Dr. Bryce Bernard, Corban
2023- Dr. Bryce Bernard, Corban
 
Athletic Director of the Year- Recognizes an outstanding athletics administrator based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of athletics administration and service to the NAIA.
 
1993- Peggy Anderson, Eastern Oregon
1995- Peggy Anderson, Eastern Oregon
2014- Marty Holly, College of Idaho
2022- Reagan Rossi, College of Idaho
 
Clarence "Ike" Pearson Award- Given annually by the NAIA- Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA), recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession. Named after long-time basketball tournament statistics crew leader.
 
2001- Russ Blunck, Western Oregon
2006- Sam Ghrist, Eastern Oregon
2016- Mike Safford Jr., College of Idaho
 
Sports Information Director of the Year- Recognizes an outstanding contribution in Sports Information.
 
2018- Danny Day, Corban
2023- Alisha Alexander, Lewis-Clark State

Athletic Trainer of the Year- Recognizes an outstanding contribution in Sports Medicine.
 
2022- Tracy Collins, Lewis-Clark State

Coach of Character Award- Recognizes an NAIA head coach who is dedicated to teaching character through sport.

 2023- Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon


NAIA Hall of Fame- The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the association. Nominees must be of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability, and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches, and former athletes. The Hall of Fame consists of an athlete and coach category for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the NAIA and a category for general meritorious service.

1965- Pete Ward, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
1966- R.C. Owens, College of Idaho- Men's Basketball
1975- Erling Odegaard, Eastern Oregon- Coaching- Wrestling
1980- Craig Phillips, Southern Oregon- Swimming/Diving
1986- Rollin Schimmel, Eastern Oregon-Wrestling
1988- Bob Riehm, Southern Oregon-Coaching-Wrestling
1988- Donald Spinas, Western Oregon- Coaching- Track/Field
1990- John Knight, Western Oregon- Coaching- Track/Field
1991- Brent Loftstedt, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
1991- Nathan Winner, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
1991- Richard Hannan, Lewis-Clark State-Meritorious Service
1995- Robert Quinn, Eastern Oregon- Coaching- Men's Basketball
1995- Don Stearns, Eastern Oregon- Cross-Country
1996- Howard Morris, Oregon Tech- Meritorious Service
1998- Steve Takander, Southern Oregon- Wrestling
1999- Peggy Anderson, Eastern Oregon- Meritorious Service
2001- Danny Miles, Oregon Tech- Coaching- Men's Basketball
2002- Marty Holly, College of Idaho-Coaching, Men's Basketball
2015- Nick Cline, Southern Oregon-Wrestling
2015- Chad Miltenberger, Lewis-Clark State- Baseball
2017- Turk Lords, MSU-Northern- Wrestling
2017- David Ray, MSU-Northern-Coaching-Wrestling
2017- Emmett Wilson, MSU-Northern-Wrestling
2018- Gary Picone, Lewis-Clark State, Meritorious Service
2019- Bruce Parker, Rocky Mountain- Meritorious Service
2020- Hillary Holt, The College of Idaho- Cross-Country/Track & Field
2024- Sam Atkins, Lewis-Clark State- Cross-Country/Track & Field
2024- Brian Orr, Lewis-Clark State- Coaching- Women's Basketball
2024- Denny Grub-Lewis-Clark State-Meritorious Service

The Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) Champions of Character Team Award is given annually to one men's and one women's team for their exemplary character on the field, on campus, and in the community

2020- Warner Pacific University- Women's Basketball
2024- Northwest University- Women's Volleyball
2025- Bushnell University- Men's Track & Field

School of Character Award-  recognizes an institution that exemplifies exceptional commitment to fostering character development among its student-athletes and embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character^® program.

2024- Carroll College
2025- Bushnell University

Editor's Note: Information compiled from NAIA Championship records.