By Aime Rutayisire, Sports Editor
Newman University Associate Athletic Director Zach Brake has been named the 2026 recipient of the MIAA’s Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award, which recognizes a young administrator who demonstrates leadership, service and commitment to student athletes.
Brake is in his sixth year working in Newman University’s athletic department and was selected by MIAA athletic directors for the honor. The award is for administrators or coaches who embody the conference’s core values of fair competition, academic success and service.
Brake said that a value that was essential to him was helping others.
“The most important value to me is service and commitment because we are all so committed to each other and committed to the student-athletes,” he said.
Established in 2023, the award is named after University of Central Missouri athletic director Jerry Hughes, who died in January 2023.
Brake, originally from Columbus, Ohio, joined Newman in 2020 as a graduate assistant in the athletic department. After earning a Master’s of Business Administration from the university in 2021, he became assistant athletic director for marketing and communications.
Athletic Director Kenyon Spears said that Brake has a bright future.
“He is willing to learn and go beyond his duties to do everything he can to make Newman athletics a success,” Spears said.
In October 2025, Brake was promoted to associate athletic director for advancement and operations. He deals with fundraising, external relations, branding and communications.
“I think the most exciting part is the relationships I foster and create daily, making these close connections with these student athletes,” Brake said.
Brake also serves the conference in several roles. He has been a member of the MIAA Basketball Tournament Committee since 2022 and was named chair of the committee in 2025.
Brake is the third recipient of the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award and the first person from Newman University to get it. Previous winners include Central Missouri athletic trainer Jessie Sotelo and former Central Missouri associate athletic director Jeff Mason.
Brake was presented with the during halftime of the March 5 men’s quarterfinal game at the 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships in Kansas City.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Athletics
