EUGENE, Ore. – With the 2026 Iggy Award less than a week away, the Bushnell University athletics department announces the nominees for the 2026 Champions of Character Award.

The Bushnell philosophy of Christ-Centered Athletics has long been showcased through the incredible work done by student-athletes outside of the field of play, both in the classroom and as champions of character.
 
The Champion of Character award each year goes to honor someone who epitomizes the characteristics of the NAIA Champion of Character model, which are respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

One male and one female student-athlete will be chosen by the athletic administration selection committee, based upon the nominees submitted by each head coach.

2026 Champion of Character Award Nominees
 
Softball – Gracie Hamilton, Senior
Beach Volleyball – Sydney Myhre, Senior
Volleyball – Jessie Matthews, Senior
Women's Basketball – Giorgia Medori, Junior
Women's Cross Country – Sidney Lane, Senior
Women's Golf - Jada Richwine, Junior
Women's Soccer – Ellie Winkelman, Junior
Women's Track & Field – Jordan Lauinger, Sophomore
Baseball - Blake Stavros, Senior
Men's Basketball – Kaleb Burnett, Senior
Men's Cross Country – Logan Gant, Junior
Men's Golf – Isaac Wells, Senior
Men's Soccer – Dylan Peart, Sophomore
Men's Track & Field – Ty Kishen, Senior
Esports – Mason Monrroy, Sophomore

 
The 2026 Iggy Awards take place at 7:30 pm on April 22 in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, there is no charge to attend the event. Bushnell Athletics will also stream the event live on the Urban Edge Network.