2025-26 GPAC Nominees for NAIA Awards Announced

(Sioux City, Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) is proud to announce those chosen as the 2025-26 nominees for the top honors in the NAIA, including the A.O. Duer Award, Emil S. Liston Award, Dr. LeRoy Walker Champion of Character Award and the NAIA Coach of Character Award.

"We have another group of outstanding people who are doing amazing things for their institutions and respective teams," said GPAC Commissioner Corey Westra. "We are always excited to name these nominations each year, and I am confident that our nominees will do well at the national level."

The national winners will be named during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15. The NAIA winners will also be recognized as part of the NAIA National Awards Luncheon at the NAIA National Convention next spring in San Antonio, Texas (April 8-12, 2027).

A.O. Duer Award

The A.O. Duer Scholarship Award is named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary who served the association for 26 years. This award has been annually presented since 1967 to a male and female student-athlete completing their junior season in any sport who has excelled in scholarship, character and citizenship.

Female Nominee: Lizzie Tyler, Dakota Wesleyan University (SD)

The female nominee for the A.O. Duer Award is Lizzie Tyler, a member of the Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team. Tyler is from Mitchell, S.D. and is double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Boasting a 4.0 GPAC, she is a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete. On the court, she has been named a Third-Team All-American, First-Team All-Region, GPAC Co-Defender of the Year and three-time All-GPAC honoree.

"We should all be so blessed to have a Lizzie Tyler on our campus," said Dakota Wesleyan Faculty Athletic Representative Joel Reinesch. "Her dedication to all things – her God, her academics and her sport – are inspiring and show a character, spirit and maturity far beyond her 21 years."

Male Nominee: Jagger Tyler, Dakota Wesleyan University (SD)

The male nominee for the A.O. Duer Award is Jagger Tyler, a member of the Dakota Wesleyan University Wrestling team. Tyler is from Mitchell, S.D. and is majoring in Business Administration with concentrations in Agri-Business and Finance.

With a 3.86 GPAC, Tyler was a 2025-26 NAIA Scholar Athlete. He was also the GPAC Champion at 174lbs and earned All-America honors last season. Tyler has decided to forgo his senior season and enlist in South Dakota National Guard to serve his country.

"Not only does he strive to improve his community, team and family, but also his country," said Head Wrestling Coach Martin Mueller of Tyler. "Jagger has changed my life in more ways than I can name. His presence lights up a room, and his work ethic makes my job a lot more fun."

Emil S. Liston Award

The Liston Award is named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament. The award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men's and one junior women's basketball student-athlete who has shown high athletic and scholastic achievement.

Female Nominee: Emma Yost, Dakota Wesleyan University (SD)

The female nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award is Emma Yost, a member of Dakota Wesleyan University's women's basketball team. Yost, from Wagner, S.D., is majoring in nursing.

With a 3.79 career GPA, Yost is a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and was a CSC Academic All-District recipient for the 2025-26 academic year. A two-time All-American, three-time All-GPAC and 2023-24 GPAC Freshman of the Year, Yost helped DWU to a semifinal appearance in the NAIA National Women's Basketball Tournament in 2026.

"Our program would not be there it is today without Emma Yost," said Dakota Wesleyan Director of Athletics Ross Cimpl. "She holds herself and her teammates to the highest possible standard, and she has a great deal of respect from her teammates and coaches."

Male Nominee: Brooks Kissinger, Concordia University (NE)

The male nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award is Brooks Kissinger, a member of the Concordia University (NE) men's basketball team. Kissinger, from Ashland, Neb., is majoring in Business Administration.

Kissinger has maintained a 3.85 GPAC at Concordia and is a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and first-team CSC Academic All-American. On the court, he earned First-Team All-GPAC and All-Region accolades in 2025-26.

"Brooks exemplifies academic and athletic excellence while displaying character and leadership at the highest level," said Concordia Head Men's Basketball Coach Ben Limback. "I can say without hesitation that he is one of the finest young men I have had the privilege to coach."

Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award

The Dr. LeRoy Walker Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA and was created to honor athletes who went above and beyond in academics, athletics, leadership, and living the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character Initiative.

Nominee: Gabe Heitz, Northwestern College (Iowa)

The Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award nominee is Gabe Heitz of Northwestern College.  Hailing from Adel, Iowa, he is a member of the Red Raiders Football team.

Throughout his collegiate career, Heitz strived to live out the NAIA core values which were reflected in the way he carried himself and the many service projects he took part in, ranging from service missions to tutoring and being in the Northwestern football Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team.

One of his most impactful services to his community was being a NEXT Program mentor, supporting students with physical and intellectual disabilities by helping with coursework, answering questions, sharing meals and ensuring they felt fully welcomed into campus life.

"The friendship and mentorship that Gabe has provided has helped numerous students have a successful and great experience at Northwestern," said Northwestern Head Football Coach Matt McCarty. "He is a young person of strong character. I know he will be a difference maker wherever he is."

Coach of Character Award

The NAIA Coach of Character Award is an annual award given to a head coach of an NAIA institution who has been outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, using methods of teaching character through sport, and in community leadership through volunteering or service.

Nominee: Janna (Langrell) Gorwin, Waldorf University (Iowa)

Janna Gorwin from Waldorf University is the GPAC nominee for the NAIA Coach of Character Award. Gorwin is the Head Cross Country and Track and Field Coach.

"Coach Gorwin is the definition of a coach that pours into her athletes," said Waldorf Athletic Director Chad Gassman. "Her desire for them to be successful off the track and course is evident daily."

Coach Gorwin works hard to intentionally develop the NAIA's five core values in each of her athletes. Additionally, she utilizes goal setting, John Wooden's Pyramid of Success and teammate letters as accountability tools to keep her team's focus on what is important both in sport, but also in the classroom and community.