Kansas City, Mo.— The University of Saint Mary has once again earned the Champions of Character Gold Institution Award after receiving a perfect score on the NAIA Core Report for the 2025-26 academic year—a list the Spires have seen their name on since the 2009-10 academic/athletic year.
The Champions of Character Core Report measures each institution's commitment to Champions of Character. Points are earned in five key areas up to 100 total points. All NAIA schools use the Champions of Character core report to measure the pursuit of character-driven athletics. Schools scoring a minimum of 60 out of 100 points earn the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award.
Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned 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.
Vice President of Athletics,
Rob Miller proudly quoted, "To have our name on this list every year since 2010 speaks to the consistency and commitment of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes. This recognition isn't just about what we accomplish in competition, it's about the way we represent the University of Saint Mary and the culture we've worked hard to build. We're proud to continue that tradition in making Saint Mary a place where character and excellence go hand in hand."
Additionally, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference was named a Five-Star conference for the 16th consecutive year, and joins 18 other conferences in earning this recognition for the 2025-26 school year. In order for a conference to earn the Five-Star distinction, it must meet the following criteria:
- Established Champions of Character Conference Committee
- Conference has a conduct in competition oversight committee composed of a minimum of three members
- At least 60% of members institutions must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award
ABOUT THE NAIA CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER PROGRAM
The mission of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character program 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.
