Shawnee State’s Robin Hagen-Smith and Aaron Davis are the recipients of the 2008 NAIA Region IX Champions of Character Awards.  Recipients of these awards must exhibit a commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program and the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.   

Hagen-Smith, the women’s basketball coach at Shawnee State since 1989, received the NAIA Region IX Coach of Character Award.   

“Coach Hagen-Smith is a great representative of Shawnee State University, the athletic program, and women’s basketball,” said SSU acting athletic director and men’s basketball coach, Jeff Hamilton.  “I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this award.  Through her commitment to the NAIA and Champions of Character, she continually produces great teams both on and off the floor.” 

Aaron Davis, a graduating senior men’s basketball player from Mt. Orab, OH, received the NAIA Region IX Dr. LeRoy Walker Award.  The award is one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA and was created as part of the NAIA’s association with Citizenship Through Sports Alliance.   

“During my 17 years around college athletics, I have not come across a better example of a student-athlete than Aaron Davis,” said Hamilton.  “He truly represents all the great values that Champions of Character embody.  He has worked extremely hard not only to be a good basketball player but a great leader and teammate.  I have been extremely fortunate to not only coach Aaron, but become his friend.  I know he is extremely honored and humbled by this prestigious award.” 

“It isn’t often that we have two recipients from the same institutions,” said NAIA Champions of Character Coordinator, Kathy Busch.  “The NAIA is proud to have (them) as two of our finest representatives.  We know the NAIA has some of the finest coaches and student athletes in the world.”