THE ROB SURVICK BRAVEHEART AWARD
This GYMACT award is presented annually to any GymACT member (ie athlete or staff member) who demonstrates exceptional perseverance, resilience and courage in the face of significant health challenges or personal adversity.
Congratulations to the 2026 Rob Survick Braveheart recipient: Jacob Miller (NIU).
Pictured here with NIU Coaches Zach Cipra (Head) and Zachary McCue (Assistant)
The award was presented at GymACT National Championships in Oklahoma, May 9th, 2026
2026 Rob Survick Braveheart Award
Official Overview
The Rob Survick Braveheart Award is presented annually by GymACT to a member—athlete or staff—who exemplifies extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and fortitude when confronting significant personal adversity or health challenges.
Legacy & Purpose
This honor was established in memory of Coach Rob Survick, whose heroic battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) served as a profound testament to the power of the human spirit. Coach Survick never ceased to inspire those around him, demonstrating daily that purpose can be forged through hardship and that passion transcends physical limitation.
The Braveheart Award honors an individual who reflects Coach Survick’s enduring character—someone who maintains an unwavering positive presence, elevates their team through adversity, and proves that true strength lies in perseverance. Excellence in character and spirit takes precedence over athletic records or coaching accolades; this distinction is awarded based on the heart, courage, and impact of the individual.
Selection Process & Governance
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Eligibility: Open to all active GymACT athletes, coaches, and staff members.
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Nominations & Review: Candidates are submitted via formal nomination. Final evaluation and selection are conducted by the Braveheart Award Committee, initially chaired by Scott Barclay and Cora Maglaya.
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Conferral: Awarded by committee consensus. While typically presented to a single recipient, multiple honorees may be designated in a given year at the committee's discretion.
Coach Rob at Aspire Sports Center, Arizona
Rob and Kiwan at USA Championships
Rob competing for ASU circa 2002
Recipients
2026 - Jacob Miller (NIU)
2026
Excerpt from Arizona Men's Gymnastics post, January 22, 2026:
[Since his ALS diagnosis in 2020], Rob committed to coming into the gym every day he could to do what he felt would keep him going- COACH! And that he did right up until 4 weeks ago. Without the use of arms or legs, Rob would use a mic placed on his head to coach his team
Coach Rob was a vital member of the Sun Devil & Aspire family, and his impact on our athletes, families, and staff is immeasurable. He brought passion, love, and a vibrant spirit to our gym every day. His influence on both the junior and senior levels will be felt for a long time to come.
An ASU graduate, Rob competed on the ASU Club team from 1998 to 2002. During his time as a student-athlete, the team faced significant challenges, including a total lack of university funding and the loss of its training facility. Rob was at the center of the effort to preserve the program, striving passionately to build this team from the ground up.
Following graduation, Rob coached at Sunrays and Desert Devils before partnering with Dan Hayden in 2005 to coach the Jr. Sun Devils at the newly opened Aspire Kids Sports Center. For the next 20 years, Rob served as the ASU team assistant coach, truly bleeding Maroon & Gold.
Beyond his titles, Rob’s heart was dedicated to developing young men. He used gymnastics as a tool to help them grow into strong, responsible, and caring individuals. Above all, Rob was a devoted father to Charlie (14) and Gracie (11), and was deeply in love with his wife of 16 years, Missy.