May 13, 2026

HELENA, Mont.  – The Frontier Conference presented the 2025-26 Champions of Character recipients for softball, presented by our partner WinWon Technologies.  They were recognized on the eve of the conference tournament in Dickinson, N.D., on April 29.

Found in 2022, WinWon is a sports technology company revolutionizing the way sports organizations operate.  By building a custom platform to fit the needs of their partner schools and conferences, WinWon levels up athletic operations.  WinWon ensures operational efficiency through streamlining processes, integrating systems, and bridging connections between conference and campus leadership, coaches, staff, and student athletes.  WinWon is dedicated to supporting excellence in the world of athletics through modernization.  To learn more about them as a strategic conference partner, please visit winwontech.com.

Head coaches were asked to select one student athlete per team he or she coaches to receive this prestigious award.  The award recognizes student athletes who best exemplify the five cores’ values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

On behalf of WinWon Technologies, the Frontier Confernece is pleased to recognize eight exceptional student athletes from Frontier Conference softball members’ institution:

Bellevue (Neb.)

• Savannah Short, a senior from Fort Osage Missouri, majoring in business. Head Coach Michala Cimino’s statement: “Savannah is deserving of this award because she represents everything this honor stands for. She leads with maturity, consistency, and quiet confidence, and she has a way of bringing calm, laughter and perspective to the people around her. Savannah is easygoing and funny but underneath that is a deep understanding of what truly matters. She gets it!!”

Bismarck State (N.D.)

• Kya Kulzer, a freshman from Washburn, North Dakota, majoring in elementary education.  Head Coach Brady Dutchak’s statement: “Kya is a great person who is always the best for her teammates.  She looks for ways to help those around her and is very involved in our volunteer events. She shows great respect for opponents and umpires. Kya is a ray of sunshine who just wants everyone to be happy and successful.”

Carroll (Mont.)

• Kennedy Venner, a senior from Billings, Montana, majoring in education.  Head Coach Shawna Juarez’s statement: “Kennedy Venner embodies what it truly means to be a Champion of Character. She leads not just with her voice, but through her daily actions, choosing humility, consistency, and selflessness in every environment she steps into. Kennedy is deeply rooted in serving others, always looking for ways to lift her teammates and positively impact those around her. Her kindness is genuine, her leadership is steady, and her presence brings both accountability and encouragement. She represents something greater than herself, carrying a standard of integrity, respect, and heart that makes everyone around her better. She is the true definition of character!”

Dakota State (S.D.)

• Roanna “Ro” Riggins, a senior from San Diego, California, majoring in English education and minor in business.  Head Coach Hunter Lambdin’s statement: “Roanna (Ro) is one of the best candidates for this award, she is someone who works hard but doesn't play a lot over the course of her 4 years here at DSU. She is someone no matter what is the most supportive, loudest and caring individual on the team. Her presence in the dugout and at practice keeps the team going with energy and positivity.”

Dickinson State (N.D.)

• Ashlee Potter, a senior from Bismarck, North Dakota, majoring in math education.  Head Coach Kristen Fleury’s Statement: “Ashlee consistently demonstrates integrity, respect, and responsibility both on and off the field. She leads by example, showing strong sportsmanship and encouraging her teammates to compete with honesty and positivity. Ashlee is also committed to academic excellence and community involvement, reflecting the true spirit of a student-athlete. Her dedication, leadership, and character make her a deserving recipient of this honor.”

Mayville State (N.D.)

• Leti Herrera, a senior from Phoenix, Arizona, majoring in psychology.  Head Coach Jordan Olson’s statement: “Leti consistently demonstrates what it means to be a Champion of Character through the way she embodies being a great teammate. She shows integrity, respect, and leadership both on and off the field. Whether in the dugout or on the field, she is always one of her teammates’ biggest supporters, bringing positive energy while doing things the right way and leading by example.”

Providence (Mont.)

• Jaden Ruiz, a Senior from Duke, Oklahoma, majoring in exercise science and strength and conditioning.  Head Coach Joey Egan’s statement: “Jaden is a great leader by example. She is the first one cheering on her teammates and makes others a better version of themselves. Her character is full of grace, understanding, and kindness.”

Valley City State (N.D.)

• Hadley Gerle, a freshman from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, majoring in health science.  Head Coach Matt Gable’s statement: “Hadley exemplifies everything it means to be a VCSU Viking and Champion of Character. Her dedication and selfless attitude have shined brightly in her freshman year on and off the field. Her work ethic in the classroom as well as on the field demonstrates the true meaning of student-athlete. She is always willing to do whatever the team needs and brings a positive attitude no matter what her role is that day. Hadley demonstrates the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. We are proud to name her our Champion of Character.”