NCCAA Celebrates 2026 Award Recipients Honored at the Annual Convention Hall of Fame Luncheon 5/28/2026 12:00:00 AM Greenville, SC - The NCCAA inducted three new members to the Hall of Fame in Mark Arthur, Regina DeLozier, and Roger Skelly at the Hall of Fame Luncheon during the 2026 Annual Convention. Also honored were recipients of the 2026 Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award, Paul & Carolyn Berry Award, Meritorious Service Award, #KingChasing Institution of the Year, and the Presidential Award. Hall of Fame GP4L Character Award: Female Student-Athlete | Male Student-Athlete Paul & Carolyn Berry Women's Staff Award | Paul & Carolyn Berry Men's Staff Award Meritorious Service Award #KingChasing Institution of the Year Presidential Award 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Mark Arthur, Southwestern Christian University Mark Arthur has built a career on loyalty, serving over 30 years in multiple roles at NCCAA member Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Described by peers as a steadfast leader, Arthur has been an advocate for the NCCAA through his roles as Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, and Vice President of Fiscal Affairs. Arthur first became familiar with Southwestern Christian, then Oklahoma City Southwestern College, while earning his Associate of Arts degree at the school. Going on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education at the University of Central Oklahoma, Arthur developed a passion for coaching at an early age. After being hired as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Southwestern Christian in 1992, Arthur quickly helped establish an athletics foundation at the institution, subsequently leading to NCCAA membership in 1993. Since joining the NCCAA, Arthur has served in a multitude of key administrative and volunteer capacities within the association including Division II Southwest Regional Coordinator, Division I Central Regional Assistant Coordinator, Division I Central Regional Coordinator, and Division I Women’s Basketball National Chair. These resulted in two NCCAA Meritorious Service Honors in 2017 and 2023. Through his coaching career, Arthur has led Southwestern Christian to four NCCAA National Championships, winning three Division IIA Men’s Basketball National Titles in 2000, 2001, and 2003 and a Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship in 2022. Arthur was named the NCCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2007, and the NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2022. Since 2011, when Arthur also became the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, the Christlike and winning culture he had built from coaching began to spread to other programs at the institution. Southwestern Christian saw three Division I Men’s Soccer National Championships and a Baseball National Title under Arthur’s athletic leadership focused on consistent integration of faith, academics, and competition. Now Arthur continues this mission as the Vice President of Fiscal Affairs where he currently serves. “Mark daily demonstrates a servant minded approach to his many leadership roles,” stated Grace College Athletic Director and NCCAA President Chad Briscoe. “I have witnessed firsthand his heart for the Lord through intercollegiate athletics and a servant heart focus with coaches and athletic staff regarding academics, athletics, and service opportunities. His sincere commitment to always working with excellence is a tremendous asset to Southwestern Christian University, the Sooner Athletic Conference, NCCAA, and NAIA.” When reflecting on his time playing for Arthur, former athlete and current Lead Pastor of Victory Church Dr. Jon Chasteen added, “As a young athlete, I thought Coach Arthur was developing my game. Looking back now I realize he was developing my life. The lessons he taught me – discipline, integrity, teamwork, and faith – became the foundation of the leader, husband, and father I am today.” “Arthur has built a resume that defines a hall of fame candidate”, stated Stephen Davis, Athletics Compliance Administrator at Southwestern Christian. “He has worn every single had one can wear at a university and has done so with a commitment to Christ not merely as a component of his coaching philosophy – as the foundation of everything he does.” The NCCAA is honored to induct Mark Arthur into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. [Back to top] 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Regina DeLozier, Maranatha Baptist University Regina DeLozier has committed much of her life and career to the sport of volleyball, becoming an icon for the sport at Marantha Baptist University. Serving as the Sabercats Head Women’s Volleyball Coach for 16 years (2007-2022), DeLozier had a historic career centered around NCCAA performance. DeLozier’s success was highlighted by three consecutive NCCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball National Championships from 2015-2017. In addition to the national championships, DeLozier coached 35 NCCAA All-Americans, won 12 regional titles, and earned NCCAA Division II National Runner-Up three times, all while accumulating a 352-167 record over her career. While coaching, DeLozier also served as a professor of mathematics at Marantha Baptist. Her mission as an NCCAA coach was to spread the love of Christ to her athletes and students to make an impact toward world-wide evangelism. DeLozier prioritized this by taking many of her teams and students on mission trips to Guam, Hawaii, and the Cayman Islands, sharing Christ with communities that may have never before heard the Gospel. As her experience in the NCCAA grew, so did her service to the organization. She served as a regional sport chair, chaired multiple coaches’ committees, and was instrumental in helping start the men’s volleyball program at Marantha Baptist which also competes in the NCCAA. “Regina DeLozier is not only a Hall of Fame worthy coach, but a Christ-honoring Hall of Fame worthy wife, mother, and empowerer of women,” said long-time NCCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Chaplain Judy Fox. “The young women she has coached have not only learned to excel in their craft on the court but have most definitely had a role model of the highest excellence in reflecting what it means to be a Goldy woman in today’s world.” Former athlete of DeLozier’s and NCCAA National Player of the Year Mattie Bumpus added, “At first, I was scared of her… Later I got to know her in a different role – as my teacher. This is where I began to see another side of her. She was quick with a joke, full of wonder for God’s creation, and genuinely invested in her students. I also saw her passion for the game and her relentless will to win. That combination pushed me to become the kind of player she needed and believed I could be. She saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself, and she pushed me until I reached it.” When talking about her relationship with DeLozier beyond graduation, Bumpus added, “Today, the most meaningful role Coach DeLozier plays in my life is as a friend. I believe the bond we share is special between a coach and former player. When I stepped into coaching myself, Coach DeLozier became my mentor. Her love for her players is unmistakable. Whether coaching men’s or women’s teams, she makes each group feel unique and special. Long after the season ends, she continues to pray for her athletes, stay in touch, and celebrate their milestones. To her players she isn’t just a coach – she is family.” DeLozier’s passion for education has now led her to a new role out of state. Despite living thousands of miles away from Maranatha, DeLozier lives up to how many describe her, still visiting from time-to-time and more importantly keeping in contact with many of her former students and athletes, continuing to disciple and mentor young women as they develop in their lives beyond college. The NCCAA is honored to induct Regina DeLozier into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. [Back to top] 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee Roger Skelly, NCCAA Board of Directors & NCCAA Pro-Am Auctioneer (Not Pictured) Roger Skelly has been a servant to the community of Bartlesville, Oklahoma ever since he started calling it home in 1970. Known for being a loving family man, a successful businessman, and a faithful member of his church, Skelly became involved with the NCCAA as a student-athlete. After being raised in northern Kansas, Skelly decided to enroll at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, then Bartlesville Wesleyan College, at the age of 21. A year later he was part of the first intercollegiate athletics program at the institution as a member of the men’s basketball team where he competed in the NCCAA. While at Oklahoma Wesleyan, Skelly married his college sweetheart Donna in 1971 and began building a Christ-centered life in the Bartlesville community. After graduating, Skelly remained connected to his alma mater and the NCCAA through stents as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach (1974-1980) and then Head Baseball Coach (1981-1983). In addition to coaching, Skelly became the radio voice for a multitude of Oklahoma Wesleyan athletic events. In 2001, after a longstanding relationship was built with NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood, Skelly’s service to the NCCAA shifted to a role on the Board of Directors. He later was named the first chairperson of the board to not be an active athletic director at an NCCAA institution, a role in which he served for 20 years. Skelly has also been a crucial piece to the success of the NCCAA Pro-Am. Attending every year since 1997, Skelly launched the live auction in 2011 where he served as the auctioneer for 15 years. During that time, Skelly helped raise over 1.7 million dollars through the event. He and his wife Donna are the only couple in NCCAA history to receive the Wilhelmi-Haskell Stewardship Award twice, an award that is given to individuals who have given dedicated work and loyal support to the NCCAA ministry. “Since my meeting and involvement with Roger through the NCCAA, I can speak to his faith in God, commitment to the NCCAA, and relentless encouragement and challenge to improve the NCCAA – always keeping Christ at the center of all he does,” said NCCAA Board Member Dr. David Miller. “Under Roger’s leadership as our board chairman, we never started any meeting or made any decisions large or small without Roger’s invitation for each of us to bring Christ into our thoughts and speech and conversations.” NCCAA Pro-Am Volunteer and former NCCAA Pro-Am Chair Jack Strong added, “As auctioneer during the Pro-Am you could see and hear the passion that Roger had for the NCCAA and its student-athletes. This was not about him or about even how much was raised, it was about service to that next generation of kids coming through our NCCAA institutions. Even as a ‘broken-down contractor from Oklahoma,’ as Skelly describes himself, He serves His Lord and the NCCAA with real distinction, enthusiasm and honor.” Above all the ways Skelly has served the NCCAA, his most impactful commitment has been through prayer. Along with his wife Donna, Roger has been a key member of the NCCAA Prayer Network since its formation in 2002. In his prayer life and service, “Roger is a man of God who gives selflessly and sacrificially,” said Kelly Wood, former NCCAA Director of Community Relations. “The impact of his dedication to the NCCAA and its members and donors will only be fully revealed in Eternity.” The NCCAA is pleased to induct Roger Skelly into the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. [Back to top] Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award The purpose of this award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes and athletics staff who epitomize the Christian character qualities of LOVE, INTEGRITY, FAITH, and EXCELLENCE. This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Female Student-Athlete Character Award recipient is Marley Aune of University of Northwestern. A defensive stalwart for the Eagles, Aune has rewritten the record books at UNW, as she ranks fourth in program history with 524 total blocks, which leads all of NCAA Division III women’s volleyball for active players. The senior out of New Brighton, Minnesota currently has 130 total blocks this season, with 63 solo blocks and 67 block assists for an average of 1.29 blocks per set, the second-highest mark in the NCCAA. Aune has also excelled on the offensive side for the Eagles, recording 264 kills and hitting .278 while guiding UNW to their 15th straight Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) regular season championship. Aune has filled her trophy case with several accolades and awards in her career at Northwestern, earning UMAC Rookie of the Year in 2022, AVCA Third-Team All-American in 2023, and is the 2025 UMAC Player of the Year. She is a three-time All-Conference selection, two-time NCCAA All-Regional winner, five-time NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week, and eight-time UMAC Athlete of the Week. Off the court, Aune holds a 3.82 GPA while studying kinesiology pre-therapy, earning a spot on the Dean’s List five times while also being a three-time UMAC Academic All-Conference winner, a two-time NCCAA Scholar-Athlete recipient, and a 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree. Aune has served her community well, as she has spent time working with local elementary schools in her time in St. Paul and spent the spring of 2025 as a volunteer rehabilitation technician at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Aune serves in the children’s ministry at her church and leads a small group for her Northwestern volleyball teammates. She also was part of a UNW mission trip to the Dominican Republic where she helped lead volleyball clinics, deliver food, and spent time at a pair of orphanages and a women’s center in the country. Northwestern Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Beth Wilmuth said, “You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who better exemplifies the Game Plan 4 LIFE pillars than Marley Aune. From leading her team from a place of love, to playing the game with integrity by making honor calls when the officials miss a tipped ball at the net, to leading teammates and children in studying the word of God, to consistently being one of the best middle blockers in the country, Marley checks all the boxes. But to her, it's not about checking boxes, it's about growing closer to her Savior and bringing others closer to Him.” [Back to top] Award accepted by Michael McCarty of Boyce College This year’s Game Plan 4 LIFE Male Student-Athlete Character Award recipient is Ben Sowers of Boyce College. An offensive dynamo and captain for the Bulldogs, Sowers has electrified the field in his three years at Boyce, scoring 71 goals, including nine game winners in 50 games played. This season, the junior from Albuquerque, New Mexico leads the NCCAA in goals (24), points (55), and shots (76) while adding seven assists and recording 51 shots on goal. Sowers has earned three NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week awards in his career. He also earned First Team All-American honors, along with the Select Golden Ball Award and NCCAA All-Tournament Team accolades, while guiding Boyce to a runner-up finish at the 2024 NCCAA Division II Men’s Soccer National Championship. Off the field, Sowers holds a 3.77 GPA while completing the five-year Pastoral Seminary Track in just three and a half years. He will also graduate with certificates in Biblical counseling and church history. Sowers also serves as an intern in the President’s office, helping with research for his weekly podcast and helps with events at Boyce College. Sowers serves at his church and is the vice president of the Boyce College Student Preaching Organization that organizes ministries to local nursing homes and homeless outreach in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a member of FCA and organizes events and Bible studies for his hall as an RA. He has served his team as well by helping baptize two of the Bulldog players during his time on campus. Boyce College Head Men’s Soccer Coach Billy Ward said, “Ben has been a solid leader for our team in many ways, including living out his faith. He is a man with integrity and a servant’s heart. He is always the one who wants to pray with the opposing team, even prays with opposing players. Ben is truly unashamed of the Gospel and shares it with our team, with other teams, with refs, and on campus. He is always there to serve and help his teammates and others to grow in their walk with Christ.” [Back to top] This year’s Paul & Carolyn Berry Award recipient is Krista Iverson from Emmaus University. Krista Iverson has faithfully served Emmaus University for 29 years as the Certified Athletic Trainer for all six Eagle programs. Her impact has been so significant an institutional donor recently gave additional funds to renovate and rename the Emmaus training room after Iverson and her husband. Iverson earned the 2025 Emmaus Service Award, an honor that is given to one staff member on campus for their exceptional service. She is often described as a leader who embodies the Game Plan 4 LIFE character traits of love, integrity, faith, and excellence not just with the student-athletes but with everyone she encounters. In a role where student-athletes often fear visiting the training room due to the risk of missing playing time, Iverson’s loving and caring demeanor has resulted in student-athletes never hesitating to get proper treatment. Her care extends beyond student-athletes, as she has often been gracious enough to take referrals from other Emmaus staff to treat the general student body despite the demands of managing athletic treatment. Emmaus Men’s Soccer alumnus Carlos Ventura shared a personal testimony of Iverson’s care as a trainer stating, “There was a time during my junior year that I was trying to get cleared by my surgeon after I had torn my ACL and meniscus, and I couldn’t afford to go see them. Mrs. Iverson helped in so many ways and she took me to the appointment all the way down in Davenport, Iowa, over an hour’s drive from campus. She is one of the most loving people I have met at Emmaus. She embodies sacrificial love that Christ commands us to have in John 13:34 and John 15:12.” Emmaus Athletic Director Chris McHugh added comments about Iverson’s integrity and love stating, “This year specifically, Krista has been a consistent liaison and support to the parents’ of several student-athletes who have navigated serious, season-ending injuries and faced the challenges of doctor visits, scans, and assessments as they were far from home. Her communication to the student-athletes and their parents have been a testimony of her integrity and love for them. We are grateful for Krista and her service to Emmaus.” [Back to top] This year’s Paul & Carolyn Berry Award recipient is Gregg Mucerino from Dallas Christian College. Gregg Mucerino has continued a long career of servant leadership at Dallas Christian College (DCC) where he has served as the Athletic Director and Head Golf Coach for the last six years. As Athletic Director, Mucerino has engaged in a multitude of roles to aid leadership within the NCCAA, assisting as the Southwest Regional Coordinator and as a member of the Division II Baseball Invitational Games Committee. Prior to his role at Dallas Christian, Mucerino was the Head Baseball Coach at former NCCAA member Colorado Christian University. He earned 2018 NCCAA Central Region Coach of the Year after leading Colorado Christian to their best record in program history at the time, finishing fifth at the NCCAA Baseball World Series. Mucerino is known for his “hands-on” approach as an athletic director, showing care to Dallas Christian student-athletes by consistently handling game operations tasks while supporting his programs. His service has helped him build deep relationships with staff and students and has led to the establishment of a Bible study among Dallas Christian coaches as well as student-athlete chaplains in each program. Mucerino has also been instrumental in bringing new items to Dallas Christian, helping secure a multi-year bid to host the NCCAA Softball World Series in addition to a multitude of new practice facilities and offerings for student-athletes. Senior Women’s Administrator and Dallas Christian Head Softball Coach Megan Watkins stated, “In any situation, Gregg handles himself and leads with grace and truth – unafraid to hold people accountable but doing so in a graceful way that lets everyone know he has not given up on them and is there to help them grow. He celebrates our success and holds us to high standards. He is not afraid to step in and do it himself to show us what true leadership looks like.” Dallas Christian Softball and Volleyball student-athlete Alyssa Carreras added, “Coach Mucerino is a loving and caring athletic director who truly puts the athletes at DCC first. He leads with kindness, patience, and encouragement, making sure every athlete feels supported both on and off the court or field. Coach Mucerino is the kind of leader who takes time to listen, offer guidance, and reminds athletes they are valued for more than just their performance. His positive attitude and steady presence helps create an environment where athletes feel safe to grow, work hard, and believe in themselves.” [Back to top] Meritorious Service Award Chad Briscoe, Grace College | Board of Directors, 2017-2026 John D. Jones, Trinity College of Jacksonville | Division II South Regional Coordinator, 2020-2026 John McGillivray, Cedarville University | Division I Midwest Regional Coordinator, 2017-2026 Mark Miller, Campbellsville University | Outdoor Track & Field National Chair, 2023-2026 Kyle Moody, Central Christian College of Kansas | Division I Central Regional Coordinator, 2023-2026 Billy Ward, Boyce College | Division II Men's Soccer National Chair, 2023-2026 [Back to top] #KingChasing Program The #KingChasing program uses the four values of the Game Plan 4 LIFE - Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence - to enhance the purpose of collegiate athletics to be more than winning championships. The mission of the #KingChasing program is to keep Christ at the center of the student-athlete experience. An institution shall be named an NCCAA #KingChasing Institution by earning 105 points. The top point earning institutions shall be finalists for the NCCAA #KingChasing Institution of the Year. #KingChasing Institution Finalists #KingChasing Institution of the Year Finalist - Grace Christian University #KingChasing Institution of the Year Finalist - College of the Ozarks #KingChasing Institution of the Year Finalist - Houghton University #KingChasing Institution of the Year - Houghton University #KingChasing Institutions Arlington Baptist University Asbury University Bob Jones University Carolina University College of the Ozarks Grace Christian University Grace College Houghton University Kentucky Christian University Manhattan Christian College Oak Hills Christian College Redeemer University Trinity College of Jacksonville University of Northwestern Wayland Baptist University [Back to top] Presidential Award The NCCAA is pleased to provide an annual All-Sports Award to be presented to one Division I and one Division II member institution. Points are earned based upon a team's finish in an NCCAA National Championship. Division I Recipient - Bethel University Division II Recipient - Crown College (Not Pictured) [Back to top]