ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The GSAC has recognized 20 student-athletes from across the conference as recipients of the 2026 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award. The honor is presented annually to 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.
To be eligible, student-athletes 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. Hamlow played a central role in developing the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative and was recently inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame for a second time.
Representing Soka University of America this year are
Mallorie Barteau and
Daiki Katsukawa, whose commitment to their teams, campus community, and personal growth reflects the spirit of the award and the values it celebrates.
Daiki Katsukawa, Cross Country, Track & Field
Daiki Katsukawa represents the global and service-oriented mission of Soka University through exceptional academic achievement and international leadership. A senior cross country and track & field student-athlete majoring in Liberal Arts with a concentration in International Studies and Peace Studies, Katsukawa has consistently earned Dean's List recognition while also being honored as a NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Champion of Character.
Katsukawa's commitment to peace advocacy has taken him to the global stage. He served as an official delegate at the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo representing the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Peace Messengers and later worked as a Japanese-English interpreter for Nobel Peace Prize laureates from Nihon Hidankyo. He has also interpreted for United Nations leadership in Geneva and mentored high school students interested in international relations, helping coordinate educational visits to the United Nations.
Mallorie Barteau, Women's Soccer
Mallorie Barteau has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service while competing as a senior on the Soka women's soccer team. She is pursuing a Liberal Arts degree with a Life Sciences concentration and pre-health focus while conducting research in venom biochemistry and preparing a capstone project focused on return-to-sport protocols following ACL reconstruction for female athletes.
Barteau serves as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has been a three-year team captain for the women's soccer program. She also serves as the athletics representative for the Student Leadership Association. Outside of athletics, she works as a sports medicine intern and physical therapy aide, using her Emergency Medical Technician certification to assist with patient care and rehabilitation.
Link to Full Release
Video Timing: Intro about Chris Hamlow, 0:00-1:34; Daiki Katsukawa, 5:40; Mallorie Barteau, 5:53
