Southwestern College senior golfer Kaydee Johnson is this year’s KCAC NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award recipient.  As the KCAC Conference representative, she will now be considered for the National NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award.  

The selection criteria includes academic achievement; campus and community leadership; embracing the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership, Sportsmanship); athletic achievement, and future ambition.

Johnson has participated in women’s golf all fours years at Southwestern.  She has earned numerous awards on and off the golf course.  She has been an NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete twice, a Southwestern College Presidential Scholar, Kansas State Scholar, Student Government Senator of the Month, Southwestern College Senior Class President, a member of Leadership Southwestern, and a volunteer for children’s church at First United Methodist Church in Winfield.

“I truly feel honored to have been selected as a nominee for the Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award,” Johnson says.  “I think this award is a good indicator of the NAIA’s commitment to improving student athletes in a way that translates beyond athletic performance and competition.  As NAIA athletes we are encouraged to become better all around individuals; the NAIA Division pushes us to be, ‘Champions of Character.’”

Head coach Brad Sexson was elated about her selection.

“I am delighted that Kaydee received the NAIA – KCAC Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award,” Sexson says.  “It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to coach such a well-rounded student-athlete.  Her efforts on the golf course, in the classroom, and in the community are exceptional.  Kaydee truly leads by example. I am very proud of her.”

Dr. Leroy Walker is President Emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee and served as president through the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.  Dr. Walker is a graduate of Benedict College (S.C.) and is a former president of the NAIA. 

“I am so proud to have been a part of the women Moundbuilder’s golf team for four years now,” Johnson says.  “During my time with the team I have had many memorable rounds and I have helped our team place on many occasions, but I have never won a tournament as an individual. So to be selected for this award, based on my character and not purely on my performance as an athlete, is such an honor and I am so thankful to Southwestern College and to our Conference for their nomination.”

Johnson, a 2007 Winfield High School graduate, is the daughter of Larry and Linda Johnson, Winfield.