Champions of Character®

Our 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.

THE FIVE CORE VALUES

This philosophy differentiates the NAIA and enhances the student‑athlete experience in ways that resonate with both families and institutional leaders.

The Champions of Character® program is a hallmark of NAIA athletics, emphasizing five core values:

Integrity

to know and do what is right.

Respect

by treating others the way you wish to be treated yourself.

Responsibility

by embracing opportunities to contribute.

Sportsmanship

in bringing your best to each and every competition.

Servant Leadership

by constantly proving that others can depend on you.

History & Vision

Take a moment to explore the history and vision behind the NAIA’s Champions of Character program. Grounded in a commitment to character-driven athletics, the program continues to grow and evolve to support the development of NAIA student-athletes and our institutions that serve them.

Coaches Course

The NAIA's Character-Driven Coaching Course is the only required coach training program in collegiate sports. It is designed to help coaches intentionally define, model, shape, and reinforce the NAIA's five core values through their coaching and mentoring. Log in to NAIA Connect to access this comprehensive training program.

Core Report

Understand how institutions’ commitment to Champions of Character is measured through the Core Report.

Learn More

School of Character

The School of Character Award recognizes institutions that exemplify the values of our Champions of Character program at every level of their athletics programs and throughout their institution. It’s a way to celebrate schools that have gone above and beyond in demonstrating a commitment to character both in their teams and their campus communities.

Learn more

Teaming Up for Character®

Champions of Character® connects with the community at each NAIA National Championship. These Teaming Up for Character™ events annually impact more than 30,000 individuals through outreach activities to local schools and youth sports programs.

Learn more