As part of the RRAC's commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program, the conference recognizes student-athletes from member schools that have exhibited a high level of scholarship, sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility, and community service. Each week, student-athletes are selected as RRAC Character Athletes of the Week based on character and commitment to their schools and communities. Our own Desirae Ramirez and Kevin Rase from volleyball and baseball respectively, are the first group to be recognized for the 2021-22 academic year.
 
Desirae Ramirez
Sport: Volleyball
Year: Junior
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Major: Psychology
GPA: 3.88
Champions of Character Qualities/Activities:

• Mentors female students in the community through the organization MyPower
• Joined team in making care packages for the victims of the Dulce, N.M., forest fires
• Assisted in tryouts for USW's community volleyball club team
• Splits time between school, team, role as a resident assistant and member of Cheer and Dance squad
• Holds teammates accountable and inspires confidence as their biggest supporter
• Does all the right things when she thinks no one is watching
• Her demeanor is constant for the sake of her team and herself

Future Plans: Desi plans to pursue her career in Forensic Psychology and eventually join law enforcement.
Coach's Perspective: (USW Volleyball Coach Cassandra Smith) "Desi is a true joy to be around. It is an honor to be her coach and know her. I call her "Sunshine" because she never fails to lighten the day and remind us of how important it is to live each day to the fullest. No one works as hard as she does and, even with great adversity, she never fails to smile."
 
Kevin Rase
Sport: Baseball
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.
Major: Criminal Justice
GPA: 4.0
Champions of Character Qualities/Activities:

• Worked with Habitat for Humanity on numerous building projects in Hobbs, N.M.
• Contributed time to special needs youth group through his hometown church
• Sings in the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Hobbs
• Exemplifies respect in how he treats staff, teammates, coaches, and opponents
• Additional duty as a resident assistant on campus
• Finds ways to serve others on campus and outside of school

Future Plans: Kevin's ultimate goal is to join the Air Force as an officer and work in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) in the counter-terrorism unit. He then wants to join the FBI and work as a special agent.
Coach's Perspective: (USW Assistant Baseball Coach Kyle Stafford) "Kevin is a remarkable young man who exemplifies what we want out of our student-athletes. He helps out on campus, in the community, and on the field."