TAMPA, Fla. — The Sun Conference has announced its nominees for the 2025-26 NAIA National Awards, as selected by various advisory groups across the conference.
The Sun Conference's 2025-26 national award nominees include
Santiago Medina (Florida Memorial Men's Soccer) and
Edan Playa (Southeastern Softball) for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award, and
Jonathan Effertz (Ave Maria Men's Basketball) and
Emelia O'Gilvie (Keiser Women's Basketball) for the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. Also recognized are
Raylei McKinney (Southeastern Softball) for the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award and
Tyler Rosser (Ave Maria Women’s Soccer) as the conference's Coach of Character nominee.
“Congratulations to all of our annual award winners who have been nominated for NAIA national honors,” Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke commented. “This is a well-deserved recognition of the work they have done, the leadership they have shown, and the impact they have made on their campuses and throughout The Sun Conference. We are proud to celebrate them and excited to see them represent our conference on the national stage.”
Santiago Medina of Florida Memorial University has been selected as the conference's male nominee for the
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. A Business Administration major with a 3.9 GPA, Medina has excelled both academically and athletically throughout his collegiate career. A leader on the pitch, he is recognized by head coach David Martinez for leading by example through his work ethic, attitude, determination, and dependability as a teammate. Off the field, Medina's commitment to academic excellence has been equally impressive. As Florida Memorial Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success & Compliance noted in his nomination, "The A.O. Duer Award demands a rare balance of rigorous academic focus and elite athletic contribution. Santiago meets and exceeds all parameters seamlessly."
Edan Playa of Southeastern University has been selected as the conference's female nominee for the
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. An Elementary Education major with a 3.98 GPA, Playa has distinguished herself through academic excellence, athletic success, and exceptional leadership. A dominant pitcher, she ranks first in Southeastern history with a 1.34 career ERA and enters her senior season just three wins shy of the program's all-time record. Selected by her coaches and teammates to the Fire Leadership Council, Playa played a key role in guiding Southeastern to a runner-up finish at the 2025 NAIA Softball World Series. Head coach Kayla Watkins praised Playa's character and leadership, stating, "The strength of Edan's moral compass, her second-to-none work ethic, and her ability to lead and influence a group have no doubt impacted our team."
Jonathan Effertz of Ave Maria University has been selected as the conference's male nominee for the
Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. An Exercise Physiology major with a 3.62 GPA, Effertz has distinguished himself through academic achievement, leadership, and character throughout his collegiate career. A three-year team captain, he founded a men's basketball faith household that brings teammates together through weekly Bible studies and monthly community service projects, creating a lasting legacy beyond the court. Widely respected by teammates and coaches alike, Effertz has helped lead Ave Maria to sustained success while fostering a culture of servant leadership. Head coach Jamon Copeland summarized his impact best, stating, "If he didn't win a single game his entire career, he would still be the biggest winner that I have ever coached."
Emelia O'Gilvie of Keiser University has been selected as the conference's female nominee for the
Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. A Sport Management major with a 3.9 GPA, O'Gilvie has excelled both academically and athletically while serving as a leader for the Seahawks. A team captain, she has distinguished herself through her work ethic, leadership, and dedication both in the classroom and on the court. As noted in her nomination, O'Gilvie is recognized for her commitment to academic excellence, high basketball IQ, versatility, and ability to elevate those around her, making her an exemplary representative of the values embodied by the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award.
Raylei McKinney of Southeastern University has been selected as the conference's nominee for the
Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership, character, and commitment to serving others. A Biology – Medical Sciences major with a 3.55 GPA, McKinney has excelled both in the classroom and on the softball field, earning Sun Conference Player of the Year and NAIA First Team All-America honors while helping lead the Fire to a national runner-up finish. As noted in her nomination, McKinney has made an equally significant impact away from competition through her leadership in Faith on Fire, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and I Am Second, while also investing in youth through community softball clinics. Her commitment to faith, service, and positively influencing those around her exemplifies the values of the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award.
Tyler Rosser of Ave Maria University has been named The Sun Conference's
Coach of Character nominee for his intentional commitment to developing student-athletes through faith, leadership, and personal growth. Rosser's philosophy centers on cultivating self-awareness, self-possession, and self-gift, using personality-development workshops, peer mentorship, and leadership formation to prepare student-athletes for success both on and off the field. As noted in his nomination, Rosser has established a culture rooted in integrity, accountability, servant leadership, and genuine care for others, consistently emphasizing character development alongside athletic achievement. His impact extends well beyond soccer, equipping his student-athletes to become leaders who serve their teammates, communities, and future endeavors with purpose and compassion.
In addition to these national award nominees, The Sun Conference previously announced the following conference honors for the 2025-26 academic year:
- Athletic Director of the Year: Kris Swogger, Keiser
- Athletic Trainer of the Year: Betsy Billings, Southeastern
- Sports Information Director of the Year: Paul Dodson, Keiser
- Male Athlete of the Year: Isaiah Aleksenko, Keiser
- Female Athlete of the Year: Blessing Ogundiran, Warner
- Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Shaheed Alam, Keiser
- Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Luiza Bersi, Keiser
All award winners, with the exception of The Sun Conference's Male and Female Athletes of the Year and Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year, will advance to the NAIA national awards ballot. National award recipients will be announced on September 15.
More information on each award can be found
here.
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now in its 36th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com
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