For the 11th year in a row, Brenau University was named a Champions of Character Five-Star institution by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Golden Tigers also achieved gold medal status for the second time in as many years.

The 181 institutions on the list earned points in character training, character recognition, character promotion, community service, team-building activities, focus on academics, grade- point average and having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the year. In addition, Brenau helped lead the Appalachian Athletic Conference to being named a Champions of Character Five-Star conference. The Golden Tigers were one of nine AAC teams to earn gold status.

“I’m very proud of the fact that our great student-athletes and coaches place such strong emphasis on this important component of athletics,” says Mike Lochstampfor, vice president of athletics and head soccer coach. “Earning the recognition of a gold level Champions of Character institution for the second straight year demonstrates our ongoing commitment to this program.”

Champions of Character emphasizes the NAIA’s Five Core Values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership through character-driven athletic programs. The NAIA encourages student-athletes to display the core values on the field, court or track and in the classroom.

The Golden Tigers represent the NAIA well by consistently being awarded for academics, dominance in their sport, and contributions to leadership, sportsmanship and community service. In addition, student-athletes are able to serve on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and meet throughout the year to discuss not only Champions of Character but also other topics related to the student-athlete experience at Brenau.