Overview
The NAIA Champions of Character program exists to build character through education and collaboration. By exploring and implementing the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, a collegiate athletics experience at the NAIA level is truly about the whole person. Often referred to as “the right way to play,” the values that the NAIA embraces help student-athletes, coaches, and spectators prioritize these core values on and off the field of play.
 
Benedictine College – The Gold Standard
Raven Athletics fully embraces the Champions of Character program in all aspects and across all sports. Benedictine College is currently striving to be a Five Star Gold Level Institution for the third consecutive year, after receiving designation as a Five Star Gold Level Institution in both 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. Raven Athletics earned a perfect 100 points on the Core Report during the 2024-2025 school year.
Benedictine College athletes attend a required Champions of Character training at the beginning of each academic year. This annual training includes a review of the program, how to earn points on the Core Report, interactive activities such as case studies, and a commitment to uphold the Five Core Values both on and off the field of competition. All student-athletes sign an electronic contract which reiterates their commitment to these values. Coaches also have their own Champions of Character contract that they sign annually. 
 
The Core Report
The Core Report measures each institution’s commitment to the Champions of Character program, including areas like Character Training, Conduct in Competition, and Academic Focus. Athletic departments receive points for service projects, sportsmanship awards, and promoting the Champions of Character program at competitions through PA reads and signage. Institutions lose points for poor conduct in competition such as profanity, fighting, or dissent to officials.
 
Champions of Character Core Report Scoring

  • Five-Star Gold level Institution (90-100 points)
  • Five-Star Silver level Institution (75-89 points)
  • Five-Star Bronze level Institution (60-74 points)
 
The Key Players
  • Student-Athletes – Students learn how the core values are evident in both practice and competition. They strive to make good choices in all aspects of their life, embracing the 5 Core Values and reflecting the true spirit of competition.
  • Coaches – Coaches are taught how to intentionally define, model, shape, and reinforce these values through their coaching and mentoring.
  • Spectators – All attendees at NAIA competitions are expected to exhibit behavior that supports “the right way to play.”
 
5 Core Values
  1. Integrity – Know and do what is right.
    • Committed
    • Courageous
    • Honest
    • Disciplined
    • Resilient
  2. Respect - Treat others the way you want to be treated.
    • Accepting
    • Considerate
    • Attentive
    • Encouraging
    • Appreciative
  3. Responsibility - Embrace opportunities to contribute.
    • Helpful
    • Conscientious
    • Accountable
    • Persevering
    • Reliable
  4. Sportsmanship – Bring your best to all competition. 
    • Cooperative
    • Fair
    • Gracious
    • Honorable
    • Humble
  5. Servant Leadership – Serve the common good.
    • Empowering
    • Visionary
    • Interconnected
    • Generous
    • Energetic