Brescia University has been named one of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 2020-2021 Champions of Character Five-Star Institutions Gold Level for the second year in a row. Fifty-eight NAIA institution earned the Gold Medallion, which is the highest honor, for scoring between 90 and 100 points on their scorecard.
Brescia University President, Fr. Larry Hostetter said “athletics is an integral part of the Brescia experience, not only because it allows our students to continue with their sport while attending, but because it teaches them the value of a strong moral character. This recognition is important from the NAIA because it tells us that we our student athletes and their coaches have created a great environment in which they are competitive while also demonstrating moral and ethical leadership.
The NAIA traditionally measures institutions based on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and then earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earn points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. The NAIA worked with member institutions to better reflect efforts that were impacted by transition and adjustments from COVID-19.
“I am proud of our student athletes and coaches for once again achieving the honor of being named Gold Five-Star Champions of Character institution. The Brescia Difference is truly alive within the Athletic Department as our teams volunteer their time and talents throughout the Owensboro community,” stated Dr. Josh Clary, Dean of Students. “Students learn the values of servant leadership and grow in virtue as they learn to live lives dedicated to transforming our world for the good. For me success is not about wins and losses, but about helping our students become the best versions of themselves on and off the field; young people who live for one another and embrace the values of caritas, of loving their neighbor as their selves.”
Brescia University has 18 individual athletic teams, with junior varsity teams available. Brescia University men’s soccer team was recently chosen as the 2020-2021 River States Conference Men’s Team of Character for the second year in a row. This award honors one men’s and one women’s team for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community.