Awards and Honors

The NAIA has established several awards and honors for outstanding coaches and athletes. Awardees are honored at special events and championships each year.

Buffalo Funds Five Star Award Winners

The NAIA and Buffalo Funds will present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA's 23 championship sports. Teams are selected based on how the players and coaches exhibit each of the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative.

Click here for a list of the 2005-06 Award Winners

Champions of Character Individual Award Winners

The NAIA recognizes athletes at each national championship who exemplify and promote the Five Core Character Values on their team, campus and community.

Click here for a list of the 2004-05 Award Winners

Click here for a list of the 2005-06 Award Winners

NAIA Coach of Character Award

Every year an NAIA coach is honored for his/her commitment to exemplifying the core values of Champions of Character on and off the field. The coaches nominated and the ultimate winner of this award have all had a tremendous influence with their student-athletes and demonstrated the importance of developing character in their athletic programs.

Submit a nomination.

The NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award

Considered the most pretigious award for student-athletes, the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award is given to a student-athlete that demonstrates the core values of the Champions of Character program on the field, in the classroom and the community.

Submit a nomination.

Champions of Character Awards at Championships

For designated championships throughout the year each team is asked to select an athlete that best demonstrates the core values of Champions of Character in their everyday lives. Those nominated receive their awards at the championships held at the end of the season.

Learn more about the awards given at championships.

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