Posted by Jason Vittone - Wed, Jan 27, 2010 - [ AMC ] - Viewed 116 times
WWU Volleyball Coach Jenny Mueller
WWU Volleyball Coach Jenny Mueller
Volleyball Receives Champions of Character Award
(FULTON, Mo., January 26)--The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA's 23 championship sports. The William Woods University volleyball program was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for its dedication and implementation of the Champions of Character program's five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The Owls, who compete in the American Midwest Conference, are led by head coach Jenny Mueller. This marks the first time the volleyball team has won the award. This is the third time a team from William Woods has won the award (Softball 2007 and 2009).
 

"The five core values emphasized by the NAIA's Champions of Character program are, in effect, traits that can be used to describe a person's character," said Coach Mueller. As a team we discuss the necessity for living the core values; on and off the court. It has been shown over and over at every level that Sport is full of valuable teaching moments. What classroom could be better or more fun? I am grateful to have such an amazing group of young women to work with. They have embraced so many teaching moments and used them to unite and make our team strong. Every player on our team knows that demonstrating these values will not only allow them to be a successful athlete here at William Woods, but a successful person in their career and personal life."

In October, the NAIA recognized William Woods University as a Champions of Character Institution for the 2008-09 Academic Year. 

According to the NAIA, "231 colleges and universities were named Champions of Character institutions for the 2008-09 school year. The total number of member institutions recognized shows a 31% increase from 2007-08. These institutions share the NAIA's commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process."

To be considered a Champions of Character institution, schools must complete a form which is later reviewed by a team directed by NAIA Vice President of Champions of Character Rob Haworth. These schools incorporate the five core values in the campus community and educate student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans on specific standards and expectations.

"The Champions of Character program supports performance-driven athletics while defining expectations and standards that drive successful teams and athletic departments," said Haworth. "I congratulate these fine institutions and thank the administrators, coaches and student-athletes for playing a role in advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics."

- Portions of this release have been provided by the NAIA.