Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to announce Selah Unwin of Bethel University as the winner of the 2025 Dan & Kelly Wood Award for Women’s Golf. 

Senior Selah Unwin has a story unlike most other student-athletes. Not only is Unwin one of the most accomplished golfers in Bethel University program history, she also has navigated a faith journey of adversity, fear, grace, joy redemption, and astounding impact. Unwin burst onto the collegiate golf scene as a freshman, earning NCCAA All-American honors while leading the Pilots to a 2022 NCCAA National Championship. After the fall season however, things changed drastically for Unwin when she boldly walked into Head Coach Chris Hess’ office in the spring of 2023 to inform him that she was pregnant. 
 
Hess stated, “I have never been prouder of Bethel as I was the day when Selah and I visited Student Life to let them know that she was going to have a baby. Instead of banishing her in shame, the university supported her in love. It was an awesome moment for me to see my school make a decision that would impact Selah’s life forever.” 
 
The response served as a launching pad for the trajectory of Unwin’s collegiate career. Not only has she continued to dominate on the golf course, including earning her second NCCAA All-American honor and National Championship just three weeks after having her baby boy, but she has also grown in her relationship with Jesus. Unwin actively shares the love and joy of Christ with her teammates, and through her work in youth golf and the First Tee Program. She is the spiritual leader of the Bethel program and not only leads well but asks tough questions to help her continue to grow as a follower of Jesus, a mother, a student, and a golfer. 
 
Unwin is looking to complete the NCCAA All-American sweep this fall at the NCCAA Women’s Golf Championships and lead Bethel to their third National Championship in the last four years. She also is set to be honored with her second NCCAA Scholar-Athlete honor as she maintains a 3.80 GPA as a double major in accounting and marketing. 
 
“Selah has used her story to shine her light brightly for Jesus,” said Bethel Head Coach Chris Hess. “She loves Jesus and lives out her faith daily, she leads with impact because of who she is, and her teammates love and respect her because she is redeemed and is salt and light on a consistent basis.”
 
Other Finalists
Kendall Clark, Crown College
Liz Miller, Cedarville University
Raigan King, Grace College
Erin Strouse, Malone University
Leah Watson, Ohio Christian University
Morgan Eckman, University of Northwestern
 
Award Description
Dan and Kelly Wood’s commitment to the NCCAA is evident in the growth of the Golf National Championships with venue upgrades, the addition of women’s golf, and an enhanced format. While at two NCCAA member institutions, Dan served as NCCAA Men’s Golf Chair from 1993-1999. He assumed the role of Executive Director in 2000 and developed the Game Plan 4 LIFE character initiative while also expanding Christian Service Projects and sports ministry funding. Kelly worked for the NCCAA for over 30 years. Her heart for the Lord and to reach others for Christ helped grow the NCCAA’s Kingdom impact.

 

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