The Montana Athletes in Service (MAIS) Award recognizes outstanding collegiate student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities through volunteer service. Nominated by their colleges’ athletic directors, these remarkable students go above and beyond their commitments in the classroom and on the field, court, or track. Through their generosity, leadership, and willingness to serve, they embody the spirit of community engagement and inspire those around them. We proudly celebrate their accomplishments, their commitment to others, and the lasting difference they make in their communities.
Our 2024 Awardees
Abby Clark
Montana Technological University | Volleyball and Track and Field
Abby Clark
Montana Technological University | Volleyball and Track and Field
Abby Clark is a dedicated leader at Montana Tech, serving as President of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. She has led impactful initiatives like the Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods drive, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Techspys Awards ceremony, while also participating in events like Walk to School with the Diggers Day. Despite a demanding schedule as a Metallurgical and Materials Engineering student and multi-sport athlete, Abby devotes 5-10 hours weekly to community service. Abby’s dedication reflects her deep understanding of the importance of supporting the community that uplifts the university and its student-athletes, leaving a lasting positive impact on campus and beyond.
Hunter Peck
Carroll College | Football
Hunter Peck
Carroll College | Football
During his four years at Carroll College, Hunter Peck has demonstrated unwavering dedication to bettering the lives of those in the Helena community. His extensive volunteer work includes contributions to organizations such as Inheritance of Hope, Shodair Children’s Hospital, Broadwater Elementary’s Family in Need program, and initiatives like the annual SAAC Thanksgiving Food Drive, Paint the Town Pink, the NAMI Walk, Special Olympics, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Peck has also volunteered as a gym coordinator for the Helena Chamber of Commerce’s SWISH Tournament, showcasing his commitment to service. . Known for his servant leadership, strong moral compass, and dedication to uplifting others, Peck embodies the finest qualities of a Fighting Saint, continually leading community service and outreach efforts with passion and integrity.
Tamika Guardipee
Salish Kootenai College | Basketball
Tamika Guardipee
Salish Kootenai College | Basketball
Tamika Guardipee is a dedicated volunteer who devotes her time to supporting kids’ camps, local schools, and her community. Spending 15 hours each week volunteering in elementary schools and an additional 10 hours assisting with kids’ camps across Montana, Tamika is deeply committed to making a positive impact on young lives. Beyond these efforts, she generously contributes her time to various local community initiatives, embodying a spirit of service and selflessness. Her unwavering dedication and passion for helping others make her an inspiration to all student-athletes, demonstrating the profound impact of giving back.
Walker Bennett
Miles Community College | Baseball
Walker Bennett
Miles Community College | Baseball
Walker Bennett embodies leadership, community engagement, and a passion for service at Miles Community College. As President of the Associated Students and a Resident Assistant, he organizes events like the Halloween Fall Carnival, supports the Pioneer Food Pantry, and creates opportunities for students to engage in service, including volunteering for Special Olympics and the ROCKS program. Walker enriches the lives of local children through reading programs, physical activities, and baseball camps, fostering creativity and active lifestyles. A Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, he upholds academic excellence and service, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
Tamika Guardipee
Dawson Community College | Volleyball
Tamika Guardipee
Dawson Community College | Volleyball
Jaiden Dulin has dedicated her time to numerous community service projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to helping others. On campus, she has been a consistent volunteer, assisting the custodial staff with cleaning the athletic and performing arts center weekly, with a particular focus on maintaining the weight and cardio rooms. Beyond the campus, Jaiden has contributed to her local community by helping move an elementary school into new classrooms and volunteering to assist teachers with classroom organization. Additionally, she has extended her support to individuals in need, offering her time to help people pack during moves. Jaiden’s heart for service and her desire to make a positive impact shine through in all that she does.
Jay Beagle
University of Montana | Track and Field
Jay Beagle
University of Montana | Track and Field
Jay Beagle has made significant contributions to the Missoula and Libby communities through various activities, including youth track and speed training, holiday campus events, food drives, and youth basketball refereeing. He has also been involved in mental health screening committees, United Way Food Fridays, cross-country meets, elementary school reading days, and the campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Big Sky Conference, Jay mentors fellow athletes, offers support during college move-in days, and shares his wisdom with younger students. Driven by a desire to give back, Jay aims to leave a legacy of positively impacting others and fostering a productive, supportive culture.
Kaylee Fritz
University of Montana Western | Volleyball
Kaylee Fritz
University of Montana Western | Volleyball
Kaylee Fritz, as the President of Montana Western’s Association of Student-Athletes (ASA), has been a powerful advocate for the needs of student-athletes, working tirelessly to foster unity and support within the athletic community. Her leadership goes beyond her role on campus, as she dedicates her time to volunteering and coaching younger kids in volleyball. As both a student-athlete and a compassionate individual, Kaylee’s focus is always on people—whether it’s supporting her teammates or making a positive impact in the community. Her dedication as a captain, President of the ASA, and youth coach highlights her commitment to serving others, making her an inspiring role model for both her peers and the athletes she mentors.
Emily Feller
Montana State University Northern | Volleyball
Emily Feller
Montana State University Northern | Volleyball
Emily Feller has been deeply involved in community service throughout her time as a student-athlete at MSU-Northern. She has contributed to several local initiatives, including participating in the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup program and organizing the Halloween Trunk or Treat event for youth in Havre through her involvement in the Association of Student Athletes. Additionally, Emily has volunteered at TechNoExpo, an event that showcases technical programs on campus to over 400 high school students each year. She has also dedicated time on Fridays at 5th Avenue Christian Church, where she assisted with projects and engaged with kids in the mornings, taking advantage of Havre’s four-day school week.
Zack Blaszak
Montana State University Billings | Baseball
Zack Blaszak
Montana State University Billings | Baseball
Zack Blaszak is deeply committed to community service, recognizing the importance of giving back to those in need. For the past several years, he has organized a Christmas dinner food drive that provides meals for around 500-750 families during the holiday season. In addition to the food drive, Zack volunteers at various local organizations, including the Soup Kitchen, College Fair, Miracle League, Special Olympics, Team IMPACT, and MSUB athletics, further demonstrating his dedication to helping others and making a positive impact on his community.
Gracey Carter
Montana State University | Track and Field
Gracey Carter
Montana State University | Track and Field
Gracey Carter is a selfless individual who is deeply committed to helping those around them. As a dedicated member of the Bozeman Track Club, MMIP Club, and a volunteer at Bridgercare, Gracey’s passion for supporting children, sports organizations, and healthcare initiatives shines through. They consistently go above and beyond, willing to stay late and arrive early to ensure everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s giving up free time to lend a helping hand or stepping up when needed, Gracey exemplifies a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the community.
Geordy Medicine Cloud
Fort Peck Community College | Baseball, Track and Field
Geordy Medicine Cloud
Fort Peck Community College | Baseball, Track and Field
Geordy is a coach for youth basketball teams and has helped staff local Native American celebrations. He was involved with the Indian Club in high school and has continued that commitment on to college. Geordy supports local drug abuse prevention programming by organizing and supporting Red Ribbon activities across the Fort Peck Reservation each fall.
