MNU is once again the recipient of the NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Award, earning 100/100 points and placing among the top 27 institutions out of 171 winners. MNU is a member of the Champions of Character Five-Star Heart of America Athletic Conference (HEART).

According to the NAIA, institutions are measured for this honor on a demonstrated commitment to the Champions of Character program 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.

“We’re honored to be named to this award-winning team again,” Director of Athletics Todd Garrett says. “The pursuit of character-driven athletics is vital here because we teach athletes according to our core tenets: competitive, discipline, family, integrity and passion.”

One of these athletes, Anthony Sao is a senior football player and an Association of Student Athletes leader.

“One way MNU fosters a Champions of Character mindset is by providing athletes with a support system and a community of caring people,” Anthony says. “I see this through the coaching staff because each of them sees us as more than an athlete, but as one of their own. With that kind of support, we can reach our potential.”

Junior Cheerleader Eva Garrett has been nominated for the NAIA Champions of Character Award. She also sees value in the coaches and staff at MNU who have set the ultimate example of what a champion of character university looks like.

“These individuals offer themselves not only as coaches, but also as mentors. Through relationships, conversations and actions, coaches and staff members lead and guide student-athletes” Eva says. “All MNU coaches and staff clearly strive to develop student-athletes into true champions of character.”

MNU is not only focused on athletics but also on pursuing academic excellence.

“We also place a high value on academics and are proud of our 84 Pioneers who were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes this summer,” Garrett says. “Most of all we hope the love of Christ is shown to and by our students and those they compete with.”

Learn more about MNU athletics at mnusports.com. Sign up for the Pioneer Athletic Association by clicking this link.