Bethel Athletics Earns Gold Status Among Champions of Character

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – For the eleventh straight year Bethel University was recognized as a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution. Bethel is one of 203 Five-Star Winners in the nation.

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.

The Mid-South Conference was also recognized as a Five-Star Conference.

2025-26 Five-Star Conference Award 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

Bethel Vice President of Athletics Derek Horne stated. "I am so proud of our coaches and student athletes for receiving this recognition for the 11th consecutive year. It is the collective effort of our entire department to be visible and impact the surrounding area. The real reward is knowing Bethel Athletics is working towards the common good but receiving official recognition from the NAIA." Horne added, “I feel our student-athletes receive great blessings from this collective effort as well."

During this time BU student athletes have logged more than 30,000 hours of community service.