NCCAA Announces 2026 Scholar-Athlete Awards

The NCCAA has announced its 2026 Division I Men's and Women's Scholar-Athlete awards, and the Nelson Warriors were well-represented with four outstanding student-athletes earning the prestigious honor.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum 3.40 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) and be classified as a junior, senior, or graduate student.

Men's Scholar-Athletes

• Orlando Gonzales (Senior) – At 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game,
  Gonzales, a two-time All-Conference First Team selection and key leader in the program's 2025 national championship run, earned his second NCCAA Scholar-Athlete award. The veteran guard has been a model of consistency both on the court and in the classroom throughout his Nelson career and a key figure in the club's current run at a second consecutive Championship.
• Chase Pavey (Junior) – Averaging 5.5 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists per game this season,
  Pavey has been a reliable contributor off the bench and in spot starts. His balanced strong academic performance with his defensive energy and timely scoring bursts this season rightfully earned him this honor.

Women's Scholar-Athletes

• Tatiana Ayala (Senior) – A double-double machine on the court averaging 7.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game, Ayala, the program's lone senior this season, earned the honor despite the challenging season. Her leadership, toughness, and integral presence on the court were matched by her dedication in the classroom.
• Sophia Morón (Junior) – The frenetic and ever moving junior put up a well-rounded 4.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists per game this season for the Lady Warriors. At 5'2", Morón played far bigger than her stature—consistently battling on the glass and directing the offense with poise. Her academic excellence rounds out a well-rounded athletic profile that will sure to be a benefit for first-year head coach Chloe Johnson next season.

These four Warriors exemplify both the men's and women's program's combined and continued commitment to excellence in the classroom as well as on the court. Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of competing at the Division I level, Gonzales, Pavey, Ayala, and Morón represent the very best of what it means to be a Nelson student-athlete.