NAIA Champions of Character

The NAIA's Champions of Character mission is to provide training to instill the values that build character, so students, coaches and parents know, do, and value the right thing on and off the field.

The program helps participants find balance by keeping the five core values – integrity, respect,responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience.

Students learn to understand how the values play out in both practice and competition. Coaches are taught how to intentionally define, model, shape, and reinforce these values through their coaching and mentoring. Parents learn how their behavior is key to supporting athletics. 

As an NAIA institution, Graceland University has developed a Champions of Character campus program that includes:

• Ongoing character and core values education for student-athletes.
• Professional development for coaches, athletics administrative staff including completion of the Character-Driven Coaching course.
• Emphasis on hospitality and game management of athletics events and conduct in competition
• Servant leadership activities that promote student leadership and athletic community engagement
• Oversight and assessment of progress in the program's implementation by both Graceland University and the NAIA.