Greenville, SC - The NCCAA is pleased to announce Leah-Joy Gaensler of Redeemer University as the 2022 Dr. Ray Bullock Award Recipient for Division I Women’s Cross Country.
 
Gaensler, a native of Smith Falls, Ontario, uses running as a way to connect with God as well as an opportunity to show God’s love to competitors. She is an encourager on and off the course and leads by example as she desires to point others to Jesus. Gaensler has served in many different ministries including her church, Redeemer’s worship team, Joy Bible Camp, Awana Club, and more. She has also aided the homeless through Redeemer’s Deeds Club, and served on a mission trip to Honduras.
 
The senior’s fastest career 6k time of 27:29 happened this year at the Fanshawe Invitational. Gaensler has advanced to the 2021 and 2022 Canadian Colelgiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Cross Country National Championship. The health sciences major holds a 10.9 GPA and has earned academic honors that include Dean’s List and NCCAA Scholar-Athlete.
 
Head Coach Andrew Ponsen stated, “Leah-Joy is an exceptional student-athlete with a strong community involvement and strong faith. She excels in the classroom and on the course, and is a true leader.”
 
Other Finalists
Megan Cooper, Bethel University
Halley Powers, Oakland City University
Marlena Sipes, Campbellsville University
Carolina Trumpower, Asbury University
 
Award Description
For many years, Dr. Ray Bullock dedicated himself to the development of cross country as a sport in general, but also as a ministry within the NCCAA. The NCCAA Hall of Famer (1999) led his teams to over 10 total NCCAA and NAIA national championships and coached dozens of All-Americans. Bullock has impacted the lives of countless student-athletes and coaches through his mentoring and sacrifice.
 

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