WICHITA, Kan. — The University of Saint Mary women's swimming & diving team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024-25 season. Champions of Character award winners from each institution have also been chosen. The KCAC Team of Character and Champions of Character awards are sponsored by
IMA Financial Group, and both were based on the NAIA Champions of Character award. A team is recognized in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.
The Spires had accumlated over 600 hours of community service over the past year. This service includes, but is not limited to:
- Volunteer to run high school swim meets (setup, timers, cleanup).
- Volunteer at the Leavenworth County Humane Society
- Feed the Need – pack food for hungry families
- Wednesday Wave – greet 4th and 5th graders at Lansing Intermediate School
- Christmas Vespers – serving meals, ride service, escort Sisters to the chapel
- Serve as youth coaches for local summer swim teams
- Soup Kitchen
- Operation Chrismtas Child - aims to provide Christmas gifts to children in need around the world.
- Yard work
The team has members that serve in leadership roles in different organizations across campus, including, but not limited to:
- Residential Hall Assistants
- Honors Executive Council
- STEM Club
- Student Nursing Association
- Theology Club
- Student Government Association
- Health Care Professionals Club
Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions of Character awards are presented by IMA Financial Group, and are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.
Your 2024-25 Women's Swimming & Diving Champions of Character Student-Athletes are:
| NAME |
INSTITUTION |
CLASS |
HOMETOWN |
| Amelia Edens |
Aquinas College |
So. |
Whiteland, Ind. |
| Isabela Nuet |
Bethel University |
Jr. |
Crown Point, Ind. |
| Autumn Neale |
College of Saint Mary |
Jr. |
Lincoln, Neb. |
| Paige Corkill |
Dordt University |
Sr. |
Lynden, Wash. |
| Sophia Gurrieri |
Midland University |
Sr. |
Evergreen, Colo. |
| Haley Snawerdt |
Morningside University |
Sr. |
Omaha, Neb. |
| Abbie Christensen |
Olivet Nazarene University |
Sr. |
Bee, Neb. |
| Lana Rodriguez |
Sterling College |
Sr. |
Scott City, Kan. |
| Becky Czarnecki |
University of Jamestown |
Sr. |
Milwaukee, Wis. |
| Kourtney Flynn |
University of Saint Mary |
Sr. |
Pittsburg, Kan. |
About IMA Financial Group
IMA Financial Group is the 10th largest independently owned retail insurance broker in the U.S., offering risk management and insurance services. Founded in 1974, IMA has nearly 650 employees in offices throughout the central U.S.
—KCAC—