Aliso Viejo, Calif.- The Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) recently announced the 15 recipients of the 2025 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award. The Arizona Christian University recipients were Lionell McPhaull, Jr. (Men's Track & Field) and Graciela Roybal (Women's Basketball).
The video honoring the recipients can be found in the GSAC release by clicking here.
Per the GSAC website:
The Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award is given to one male and one female student-athlete on each GSAC campus who demonstrates outstanding athletic achievement, campus and community leadership, future ambition and embraces the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character program (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership). Student-athletes must be at least a junior academically and carry a 3.0 GPA. The award is named after former GSAC Commissioner Cliff Hamlow who served the conference from its inception in 1986 to 2012. Dr. Hamlow was also a key leader in the creation of the NAIA's Champions of Character program. Dr. Hamlow was elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame as a coach in 1981 and again for meritorious service in 2024.
The bios sent in for McPhaull and Roybal read:
Lionel McPhaull Jr., Arizona Christian
An Elementary Education major at Arizona Christian University, McPhaull demonstrates exemplary character and leadership that embodies the spirit of the Cliff Hamlow Award. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, McPhaull has earned an impressive 3.67 GPA and distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete while earning Honorable Mention All-GSAC recognition in the 200m and 400m events in 2024. He is also captain of the track team and a SAAC leader for the Firestorm. McPhaull leads by example while fostering a culture of service and spiritual growth. His dedication to youth development shines through his role as a YoungLife leader at ACU and his work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he mentors middle school students. His commitment to community service extends from Arizona to Nebraska, including involvement with Thanksgiving Day Feast for the homeless and the YMCA's back-to-school drive. McPhaull's faith plays a central role in his leadership, as he actively participates in worship ministries at both North Phoenix Baptist Church (AZ) and Ambassador Worship Center (NE). His summer ministry work at Lake Tahoe Summer Mission through CRU Ministries further demonstrates his dedication to spiritual mentorship and youth development.
Graciela Roybal, Arizona Christian
Graciela Roybal is a senior captain for the Arizona Christian University Firestorm women's basketball program. As a biology major from Chandler, Arizona, Graciela exemplifies the ideals of the Cliff Hamlow Award through her exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to service. Maintaining a 3.96 GPA, Roybal has earned recognition as a GSAC Scholar Athlete in 2022 and 2023, while being named a CSC Academic All-District honoree and NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2023. As team captain, Roybal demonstrates leadership both on and off the court. Her involvement in campus life spans multiple organizations, including the Biology Club, Creation Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and participation in Student-Athlete Leadership Chapel. Her commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character Initiative is evident through her servant leadership, where she serves in a variety of ways to help the team. Graciela serves in uncommon ways for her teammates, such as running the scoreboard at development team contests, managing the team's laundry, and locker room maintenance. All this while averaging 10 points per game throughout her career and leading the Firestorm to their first GSAC Conference Championship in 2025!
Congratulations LJ and Gracie on well-deserved honor.
