Benedictine University Mesa is proud to announce that Naomi Elliott and Malik Payton have been selected as the university's recipients of the 2026 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award.

Each year, the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) honors one male and one female student-athlete from every member campus who exemplify the NAIA's core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. Recipients must be juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award is named in honor of longtime GSAC Commissioner and NAIA Champions of Character founder, Dr. Cliff Hamlow. Naomi Elliott
Naomi Elliott represents the highest standard of academic excellence, athletic achievement, leadership, and service at Benedictine University Mesa. A dedicated scholar-athlete, she maintains a 3.5 GPA while serving as captain of the women's basketball team. This season, she has started every game and averages 32 minutes, the second-highest on the team, contributing 10.6 points and 5.8 reboundsper game.

Her leadership has helped guide Benedictine Mesa to a successful season in one of the NAIA's most competitive conferences. The team has exceeded preseason expectations and currently holds third place in the GSAC, positioning itself for a strong postseason run.

Beyond the court, Naomi serves as a Resident Assistant, supporting first-year students and fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus community. She is also deeply committed to service, volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club and the Midwest Food Bank, assisting with Benedictine athletic events, and organizing team-building activities that strengthen program culture.

Upon graduation, Naomi has accepted a position with a Fortune 50 company, beginning in June 2026, and plans to continue serving others through basketball, coaching, and community involvement. Malik Payton
Malik Payton exemplifies academic dedication, leadership, and service as a double major in Marketing and Communications. Balancing two rigorous programs with athletics, employment, and leadership roles, he applies his academic knowledge in meaningful ways—especially in digital marketing, communications strategy, and emerging AI tools.

A highly influential campus leader, Malik serves as President of the Black Student Union, guiding campus-wide initiatives that promote inclusion, dialogue, and engagement. He also serves as a Resident Assistant, mentoring peers and helping maintain a supportive living-learning environment.

Malik's commitment to service extends beyond campus. He devotes time to youth mentorship, leadership programs, and community empowerment initiatives that support underrepresented populations. In all roles, he embodies the NAIA Champions of Character values through accountability, integrity, respect, and servant leadership.

As a member of the men's basketball team, Malik contributes positively to team culture through discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in marketing and communications, with aspirations to advance to executive leadership—including the role of Chief Marketing Officer—and to leverage AI and technology to enhance brand and communication strategies. Congratulations to Naomi Elliott and Malik Payton on this well-deserved recognition. Their leadership, service, and commitment to character represent the very best of Benedictine University Mesa.