Schmidt gains top honor

Vanguard University senior women’s basketball standout Kelly Schmidt has been named the 2007 recipient of the Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award, the NAIA announced Friday.

The award, considered among the most prestigious in the NAIA, recognizes an NAIA student-athlete who excels in athletics and academics and is committed to the Champions of Character program’s five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. It was created as part of the NAIA’s association with Citizenship Through Sports Alliance.

“Kelly exudes a real sense of purpose for her life, Vanguard President Dr. Murray W. Dempster said in a statement. “She is a principled person who incorporates an ethic of service into her character and conduct. Kelly builds trustful relationships that respect and honor the uniqueness of others. Kelly lives by the wholesome values and exerts a positive influence on her fellow athletes and student colleagues. She has a passion for life that is demonstrated in the joyful and diligent way she pursues her college degree and the persistent way she faces her competitive challenges.”

A 6-foot forward, Schmidt helped lead the Lions to semifinal appearances at the NAIA Tournament the last two seasons. Vanguard was 31-0 this season, before being upset by Cumberland University (Tennessee).

She is a four-time All-American who was NAIA Player of the Year as a junior. She was also Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a junior and a sophomore.

Vanguard was 125-10 in the four seasons since Schmidt arrived from Ironwood High in Glendale Ariz. She finished her career with 2,639 points and 1,053 rebounds, both school records.

A liberal studies major with a religion minor, Schmidt has made the dean’s list every semester at Vanguard. She has received GSAC and NAIA Scholar Athlete honors while maintaining numerous other commitments throughout the Costa Mesa community. Schmidt has served in Vanguard athletic ministries, frontline leadership and the L.I.O.N. Champions of Character program.

Schmidt will be recognized at the ninth annual National Sportsmanship Awards Dinner, June 21 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. Walker, for whom the award is named, is President emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee who served as president through the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.