Surprise, Ariz. — The Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) is proud to recognize two outstanding student-athletes from OUAZ as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award: Angel Addleman of the Women's Basketball team and Johnathan Garcia of the Men's Soccer team.
The Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete from each GSAC member institution. Honorees are recognized for their excellence in athletics, academic achievement, leadership on campus and in the community, and for exemplifying the NAIA's five core character values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least juniors academically and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Addleman, a dynamic guard from Tucson, Arizona, has been a standout on the court for the Spirit Women's Basketball team, averaging 15.3 points per game and regularly earning Player of the Week considerations. Off the court, she holds an impressive 3.95 GPA as a Communications major and has earned Scholar-Athlete honors at both the NCCAA and GSAC levels. A leader in faith and service, she actively participates in the campus Worship band, contributes to Spirit Life events, and volunteers with the elderly and at youth basketball camps.
Garcia, a first-generation college student and defensive cornerstone of the OUAZ Men's Soccer team, has earned multiple shutouts and NCCAA All-Region honors as a standout goalkeeper. He excels academically with a 3.87 GPA while pursuing a rigorous engineering degree. Garcia's service extends throughout the community—from volunteering at his church and leading soccer clinics to officiating at the Special Olympics and participating in the Walk and Roll for Inclusion. He is known as a mentor and role model, guiding his teammates through leadership and faith.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Cliff Hamlow, former GSAC Commissioner and a founding force behind the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative. Dr. Hamlow served the conference from its inception in 1986 through 2012 and was recently inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for a second time in recognition of his enduring legacy.
OUAZ proudly celebrates Angel Addleman and Johnathan Garcia for representing the true spirit of the Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award through their unwavering dedication, leadership, and character both on and off the field.
