CALDWELL, Idaho - College of Idaho standout Matthew Iwamizu has been named the 2024-25 Frontier Conference Male Athlete of Character, recognizing his exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to integrity both on and off the field.
A three-year starter and two-year captain for Yotes Football, Iwamizu also competed for the College of Idaho baseball team as a catcher and designated hitter. It's his impact away from competition, however, that has truly distinguished him. Iwamizu has built a legacy as a servant-leader, giving back to his campus, his teammates, and his communities in both Idaho and his hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon.
His extensive community involvement includes mentoring youth at the Boys & Girls Club, coaching in Medford's Manny League Basketball, and volunteering for Special Olympics events across both states. He has also served at Montana Avenue Church in Caldwell, assisted alumni and campus groups with event setup and moving help, and represented Yotes Football at annual events like the Bone Marrow Drive, QB Club functions, and the Steakfeed.
On campus, Iwamizu supports College of Idaho Athletics behind the scenes by working concessions, assisting with game day broadcasting, and ushering guests during basketball and baseball games. At the YMCA, he serves as a lifeguard and mentor, engaging with youth at swim events and helping facilitate Special Olympics swim activities. His dedication to service extends into his professional aspirations, where he has shadowed therapists at Action Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, combining healthcare training with hands-on community impact.
Iwamizu's excellence also shines in the classroom. He has been named to the Dean's List in both Fall 2023 and Fall 2024, and earned Daktronics NAIA Baseball Scholar Team and CSC Academic All-District honors in 2024. This spring, he was nominated for the Yote STEEL Award, presented to athletes who embody the program's core values: love for the team, pride in the college, and a life of integrity.
"Matthew is the kind of student-athlete every program dreams of having," said College of Idaho Head Football Coach Mike Moroski. "He's a competitor, a servant, a mentor, and a leader in every sense of the word. This award is a well-deserved recognition of who he is, far beyond stats or wins."
The Frontier Conference Male Athlete of Character award honors one individual annually who exemplifies the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Iwamizu is the second Yote this year to be recognized at the conference level for their excellence in service.
