DAYTON, TN | On May April 2nd, 2023, Gigi Ford, member of the women's volleyball team, and Gavin Wilson, a member of the men's golf team, were named the 2023 Lion of Valor recipients. 
 
This award is given to the top male and female athletes at Bryan College, and the recipients are chosen by the Bryan Athletics Department. Consideration is given to those student-athletes who not only excel in their respective sport, but more importantly, model the character qualities of Christ on and off the field of play; who remain steadfast and loyal to the success of the team—an encourager of others, selfless, dedicated to the task of building up people and strengthening relationships; and who possess an unwavering commitment to "fight the good fight" of faith with the tenacity, might, and valor of the Lion of Judah.
 
Gigi Ford, the female recipient of the Lion of Valor award, is a six rotation outside starter earning multiple accolades during her time at Bryan. In 2019, she was named to the All-Freshman Team and received the USMC AVCA Team Academic Award. In 2020, she was a part of the AAC Regular Season Conference Champion team as well as named to the AAC All-Academic Team, and a recipient of the USMC AVCA Team Academic Award. In 2021, she helped the Lady Lions to a AAC Regular Season Championship, and to and AAC Conference Tournament Championship. In that same year she was awarded the AAC Attacker of the Week, the AAC All-Tournament Team, the AAC All-Conference First Team, the AAC All-Academic Team, the AVCA NAIA Northeast All-Region Honorable Mention, as well as receiving the USMC AVCA Team Academic Award. In 2022, she was named to the AAC All-Academic Team as well as the received the honor of the Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete. She has had a tremendous career at Bryan College, accumulating 1,136 career kills and 1,173 career digs. Gigi will be graduating with a degree in Biology and will be working for a property investment company. Her hopes are to help people find their avenue in health fitness. 
 
Coach Day had this to say about Gigi, "I am incredibly happy for Gigi on receiving this award. She has proven herself both on and off the court of what a Lion of Valor should look like. Gigi has incredible leadership skills and has been a team voted captain for us for the past 2 seasons. At the end of her Junior season, she was faced with some adversity when she blew her knee out at the AAC Conference Tournament Championship. Gigi was determined to get back on the court and compete at a high level for us. She demonstrated her leadership skills all throughout that spring season from the sidelines. She constantly encouraged her teammates and was at every team event, cheering her teammates on. She earned her way back into the starting rotation in her senior season after an 8 month rehabilitation stint. Gigi has garnered numerous awards throughout her time here at Bryan, but I'm most proud of Gigi for giving back to the local community.
 
At the conclusion of her 4 year career for our program, Gigi has been volunteering as coach with the Double G's volleyball team, who participates in the local RC3 league. With her high level of volleyball knowledge, Gigi does an excellent job of leading these young women in volleyball while also showing a love like Christ through her actions. She is off to a great start in pursuing excellence and making a difference in our local community."
 
Gavin Wilson, the male recipient of the Lion of Valor award, is a captain on the Men's Golf team who has single handedly shifted the culture. Not only that, but Gavin has made a tremendous impact in the history of Bryan Golf. In 2021, he tied for 2nd place at the Alice Lloyd Invitational shooting 146 and 2 over par. In 2022, he was named to the Maryville College Intercollegiate All-Tournament Team where he tied for 3rd place shooting 147 and 3 over par for the entire competition. In 2023, Gavin Wilson tied for 1st place at the CIU Invitational shooting 148 and 4 over par to help the Lions take 1st place for the tournament. In his spare time, Gavin volunteers at his hometown youth group when they have winter retreats and lock-ins. He will be graduating with a degree in Business Management with hope of playing Professional Golf after he walk on May 6th.
 
Coach Goins had this to say about Gavin, "Gavin came to Bryan on a basketball scholarship. He later transitioned into golf after his sophomore year. Since then he has been a part of this golf team, Gavin has almost single handedly changed the mindset and culture of this team. He is an amazing leader and guys are drawn to him. From day one Gavin has always put his relationship with Jesus first. Since my time at Bryan, I have not seen anyone with his mentality and work ethic. I will forever be grateful for what Gavin has brought to this team."
 
Both Gigi and Gavin have made a tremendous impact on Bryan Athletics, the legacy they have built into will last for years to come. Having met on The Hill and graduating soon, they will be getting married next month. 
 
To view the complete list of awards and recipients, as well as the faculty and staff citations of merit, click here.