June 5, 2008

Amanda Wiley

University of Saint Francis (Ind.)

Indiana-Ohio Region

I am a junior at the University of Saint Francis located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  As an undergraduate, I am working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.  I am a Captain on the Varsity Volleyball team and take great pride in all of the community service projects and goals we have achieved as a team.  I serve as a "Champion of Character" both on and off the court keeping in mind each of the five NAIA Core Values.  Of the five NAIA core values, the one that has impacted me the most as a student-athlete is Servant Leadership.  My team and I are committed to helping our community.  In 2006, we achieved making a wish come true for a local child by working harking hand-in-hand with the Make -A-Wash program.








Megan Brown

Columbia College (S.C.)

South Carolina Region

I currently attend Columbia College where I am a member of the Fighting Koalas Lady Tennis Team and am in the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Care and Education.  My passions and dreams include building and owning youth centers that cater to youth leadership and development, all the while encompassing Christian and ethical values.

Lisa Skrypnik     

Houghton College (N.Y.)

New York-Penn Region

I grew up in the small town of Albion, New York.  I started playing sports at a very young age but developed a strong interest in the game of basketball when I was about 8 years old.  I quickly understood the significance of working hard every day to set a good example for my teammates as well as the importance of always putting them before myself. Community service is a frequent activity for me as part of my extracurricular activities.  Through these activities, I have learned what it means to be a leader, not just a leader that sets a good example, but one that cares and seeks for the good of others.

Vashun Wilkins  

Martin Methodist College (Tenn.)

Tennessee Valley Region

Growing up I wanted to do just as much as I could, experience as much as I could experience.  It started with me just helping out at my church with our local summer camps. I would volunteer my time just so I could be around people. I would also help at the local recreational center with cheerleading camps, basketball camps, and just fun interactions with children. I have gone to Boys and Girls Clubs to help out with their summer reading programs as we assisted the children learning to read. I have lent a hand in nursing homes reading to the elderly and also entertaining with songs, dances, and games.  All in all, when I knew that I could make a difference and all it took was a little of my time, then I was there to do it. Some may not see the things that I have done as being mind blowing excitement, but it gives me great pleasure to know that I made a small difference in someone's life.

Ethan Gentry

Vanguard University (Calif.)

Southern California Region

I am from Southern California.  Currently I am a junior at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.  I am in my third year of the Athletic Training Program as well as a third year member of the University baseball team, and will graduate in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science.  Once I graduate I will work for my Board Certification for Athletic Training and to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist while also working towards attending Southern California University of Health Science's Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.  I hope to work with athletes in a sports performance or rehabilitation setting.

Gene Hartman
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Southwest Region - Tulsa
I grew up in Tulsa, OK.  I'm majoring in Communications with a minor in Management and Leadership.  Something that I have learned to embrace over the years is adversity.  Some health problems I have gone through over the past four years have helped me learn how to deal with and manage adversity.  My senior year in High School I was diagnosed with Juvenile Onset Diabetes.  This past spring/summer I experienced a minor heart attack as well.  I take pride in dealing with these sorts of situations. My parents did a great job in the sense that they let me have a lot of responsibility and freedom to learn and were, and still are, there to help whenever it was/is needed.  I really enjoy being around people and forming relationships.

Jackie Heine
St. Xavier University (Ill.)
Heart of America Region
I am currently a senior and am working towards a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Business Management.  I have been a starting forward for the SXU women's basketball team for the past three years and I was selected to serve as the sole captain during my senior season.  I was raised in a small town where success came from commitment and dedication.  I have carried these and many more characteristics with me in my academic endeavors as well as in my numerous work experiences.  In order to make a bigger impact around campus I am also a member of the committee on student life.  Over the past two years I have begun the newest addition to my love of athletics; I became a coach.  Now I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with young girls just like me.  I believe that it is our responsibility to be a positive influence and role model for the youth today.






Katie Rice
Rogers State University (Okla.)
Southwest Region - Tulsa
I graduated in the top ten percent of my senior class and played three sports all through high school.  My senior year, along with taking honors classes, playing three sports, and working part time, I also took twelve college credit hours as a concurrent student at Rogers State University.  I am presently a post player for the RSU women's basketball team.  My major is Medical/Molecular Biology, and I plan on achieving my Associate's degree in biology by May of next year.  After completing my Bachelor's degree in May 2011, I plan on attending medical school to become an Anesthesiologist.  I have always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.  If had to choose three things to describe myself, I would choose leader, hard worker, and dependable. 









Katie Filiatreau
Georgetown College (Ky.)
River Valley Region
As a student-athlete, basketball has been a primary part of my life for many years.  However, I have now entered a part of my life in which athletics do not define me as a person, but have helped me develop morals and values that will allow me to be successful in the future.  The NAIA and the Champions of Character Program has instilled values in my life that will prepare me for the challenges in the future. The NAIA teaches athletes to display the core values of sportsmanship, responsibility, respect, integrity, and servant leadership in all aspects of their life. The program has been an opportunity to discover what each value means and has provided me the opportunity to display those core values in my everyday life.





Cindy Trent
Southern Virginia University
Appalachian Region
I am currently a junior, majoring in Family and Child Development and minoring in Early Childhood Education. I was born in Kingsport, Tennessee.  I have ten siblings.  I play tennis at SVU and I love competing with others and improving my game.  I often find myself being overly friendly and less intimidating on the court than I should be, but I like sharing my smile.  Having respect, showing responsibility, possessing integrity, and serving in leadership positions are all a big part of my life.  I know that with an optimistic outlook and confidence in myself and others, anything can be accomplished.









Ellen Elyse Gildernew
Montreat College (N.C.)
Carolinas Region
I am from Lookout Mountain, Georgia. I will be a sophomore at Montreat College this coming fall. I run Cross Country and Track and Field and I love running.  My coach has taught me to never give up, to always do my best, and to always help and respect others.  It does not matter if I win or lose but that I try my hardest.  My major is undecided but I hope that this experience will help me to narrow down my interests for the future.











Cameron Branock
Bethel College (Ind.)
Indiana-Ohio Region
I am a Chemistry major and a varsity baseball player.  Upon my graduation in the spring of 2009, I plan to attend medical school.  My career goal is to be a primary care sports medicine physician to help injured athletes.  There are two phrases that I would use to describe myself at this time in my life.  The first of which is that I am a student-athlete.  Academics always come first and I have a great drive to be competitive both in the classroom and on the baseball field.  The second is servant-leader.  I have been blessed with many talents and abilities that enable me to be a leader on my campus, on the baseball field, as the captain of my team, and in my community.