USA Climbing is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Collegiate Scholarships, recognizing outstanding student climbers who are helping to shape the future of the sport. The scholarships, which include the Climbing Ambassador Scholarship and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship, celebrate athletes who not only excel in competition but also lead in fostering community and inclusivity within climbing.

Climbing Ambassador Scholarship Winners

1st Place ($1,000): Lleyton Gunter

“Thank you to everyone who supported me in achieving this incredible honor,” said Gunter. “Without the dedication of the Northwestern Rock Climbing Club Executive Board and our amazing collegiate climbing community, I would never have been able to contribute so meaningfully to day-to-day operations and pursue the opportunities that make our club thrive. Leading this emerging club has been an incredibly rewarding experience, pushing me to step up as a leader and teaching me the value of collaboration and support. Through climbing, I’ve discovered a passion for fostering spaces where people can embrace freedom, find joy, and build friendships. In the future, I’m committed to expanding access to climbing and ensuring it becomes a more inclusive, supportive environment for all students at Northwestern and beyond. Thank you for believing in me and our shared mission to strengthen the climbing community.”

2nd Place ($500): Zoe Simard

“Climbing has been a huge part of my college journey,” said Simard. “I officially started my climbing journey freshman year, and the very first time I walked into the gym and met the USC climbing team, I knew I had found something special. Through now being one of the captains of the team, I have also loved to introduce this sport to people and see them find their own place within it. Over the past three years, my community has grown beyond USC through the collegiate competition circuit. Winning the Climbing Ambassador Scholarship means the world to me, when I got the news, I was literally jumping up and down in my room!”

These athletes were recognized for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and dedication to promoting climbing within their collegiate and local communities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship Winners

1st Place ($1,000): Angilee Cheah

“I am so excited to be receiving this award,” said Cheah. “The collegiate circuit has allowed me to continue my love for competing and I look forward to the upcoming years. Thank you to all the friends and family who have helped in the past year.”

2nd Place ($500): Van Malkie

“I’m truly honored to receive this DEI scholarship,” said Malkie. “Climbing has brought me lifelong friends, strength, and a sense of belonging. I believe everyone deserves access to that same experience. As a minority student-athlete, I’m committed to making climbing more inclusive—especially for underrepresented groups in terms of race, gender, and disability. I look forward to continuing this work at the University of Utah and helping build a climbing community where all students feel welcome and supported.”

Applications for the scholarships opened on October 12, 2024, and closed on February 2, 2025. USA Climbing extends congratulations to this year’s winners and gratitude to all who applied.

Learn more about the USA Climbing Collegiate Series here.