MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced its nominees for various 2025-26 NAIA National Awards. 
 
The national awards will be announced on September 15. 
 
Rebecca Walter of Blue Mountain Christian University has been selected as the conference's nominee for the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to serving others. A History major with a Music minor and a 3.92 GPA, Walter distinguished herself as an SSAC All-Conference and Champions of Character Team selection while earning numerous academic and leadership honors. Beyond basketball, she served on the SSAC Student Leadership Council, led worship at Blue Mountain Baptist Church, volunteered with Beds for Kids, and helped organize service opportunities across the BMCU athletic department. Her influence was felt throughout campus by consistently leading through humility, accountability, and genuine care for others. As head coach Tracy Rice wrote in her nomination, "When I think of Rebecca Walter, I cannot think of an athlete who better models the five core values of the NAIA."
 
Jenna Garriga of William Carey University has been selected as the conference's female nominee for the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. A Mathematics major with a Business Administration minor and a perfect 4.0 GPA, Garriga has excelled academically while serving as a leader both on campus and on the basketball court. A team captain, Vice President of the William Carey Association of Student Athletes, and member of the SSAC Student Leadership Committee, she has earned recognition as an SSAC Champions of Character Team selection and three-time SSAC All-Academic honoree. Despite overcoming two ACL injuries during her collegiate career, Garriga helped lead the Crusaders to an SSAC Tournament championship and three consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances. Her professor, Benjamin Dribus, summarized her impact best, writing, "Jenna is one of the most extraordinary students and student-athletes I've encountered during my 12 years at William Carey University."
 
Alyssa Vasquez of Point University has been selected as the conference's female nominee for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. A Criminal Justice major with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Vasquez has distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and outstanding play on the soccer field. A standout defender, she immediately stepped into a starting role and became a trusted leader on Point's back line, earning the respect of teammates and coaches through her consistency, accountability, and composure. In the classroom, she has demonstrated the same commitment to excellence, consistently producing exceptional work while serving as a positive influence on those around her. As noted by Point head strength and conditioning coach Brad Bonner, "She leads by example through her consistency, accountability, and willingness to do the little things right," making her an outstanding representative of the values recognized by the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award.
 
Blue Mountain Christian University has been selected as the conference's nominee for the NAIA School of Character Award, recognizing institutions that intentionally develop student-athletes through the NAIA Champions of Character program. Guided by the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, BMCU has built a culture where character development is emphasized alongside athletic success. Student-athletes participate in chapel, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, mentoring initiatives, community service projects, and leadership opportunities that prepare them for success both during and after college. The university's commitment is reflected in its annual Five-Star Gold Champions of Character distinction, strong community engagement, and recognition as the 2024-25 SSAC Men's Sportsmanship Award recipient. As stated in the nomination, "Athletics is not just about performance, but purpose," a philosophy that continues to shape the experience of every BMCU student-athlete.
 
The following previously announced award winners were also nominated for NAIA honors. 
 
Athletic Director of the Year: Tracy English, William Carey
Sports Information Director of the Year: Trinity Plunkett, Thomas 
Athletic Trainer of the Year: Rob DeLong, Mobile
Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year: Dr. Kathy Dunning, Mobile
Coach of Character: Phillip Laney, Blue Mountain Christian
Male Team Champions of Character Award: UT Southern Cross Country
Female Team Champions of Character Award: Blue Mountain Christian Softball