Surprise, Ariz. – Ottawa University Arizona student-athletes Rolen Driscoll and Sophie Jackson have been named the university's recipients of the 2026 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award, presented by the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC). The award recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from each GSAC institution who exemplify excellence in athletics, leadership on campus and in the community, future ambition, and the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program: respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
Across the conference, 20 student-athletes were selected as recipients of the 2026 honor. To be eligible, nominees must be at least a junior academically and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award is named in honor of former GSAC Commissioner Dr. Cliff Hamlow, who led the conference from 1991 to 2012 and played a central role in developing the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative. Hamlow was recently inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for a second time, recognizing his lasting contributions to character-based leadership in collegiate athletics.
Driscoll exemplifies the balance of academic achievement, leadership, and service. Maintaining a 3.73 GPA, he earned the Dean's Award of Academic Excellence and has served the OUAZ community as Vice President and a Resident Assistant. As a team captain, Driscoll leads by example while demonstrating integrity, teamwork, and responsibility. His commitment to service includes more than 100 hours of community involvement, including 65 hours at Verrado High School teaching adaptive physical education to special needs students and helping introduce them to various sports. He also completed 35 hours at Kingswood Elementary School, teaching younger students about the benefits of sports and physical activity. Following graduation, Driscoll plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
Jackson has also made a significant impact at OUAZ through her leadership, academic success, and dedication to the campus community. She served as a Resident Assistant during her sophomore and junior years before being promoted to Senior Resident Assistant during her senior year, helping lead the Residence Life team while supporting students through programming and daily engagement. In addition, Jackson served as the university's Student Body President, representing and advocating for the student body while gaining valuable leadership experience.
Academically, Jackson has earned Dean's List honors from 2023 through 2025 and was recognized as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2024 and 2025. She was also awarded the Medal of Excellence in 2025, highlighting her success both in the classroom and in athletics. After graduating, Jackson will attend Texas A&M University, where she has been accepted into the Master's Program in Athletic Training. She hopes to work in professional baseball and later serve in the military, helping soldiers recover and rebuild their physical health.
Through their dedication to academics, athletics, leadership, and service, Driscoll and Jackson represent the very best of Ottawa University Arizona and the Great Southwest Athletic Conference while embodying the principles of the NAIA Champions of Character program.
