Spires Recognized as NAIA Champions of Character

COVID-19 testing, multiple quarantines, and canceled competitions will be noted in the record books of University of Saint Mary Athletics for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Despite the many challenges of the past year, Spires persevered – earning conference championships, academic awards, and All-America honors.

USM student-athletes and coaches also found a way to maintain their sense of community and core values, as Saint Mary was once again named a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution with Gold Status. The annual award recognizes National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics member institutions that promote integrity both on and off the field.

“We’re very proud of this honor from the NAIA,” USM Vice President for Athletics Rob Miller said. “Earning gold status affirms what we already know to be true at Saint Mary: This is an institution where students come to compete to the best of their ability while working toward their futures. Receiving this award year after year demonstrates the caliber of our student-athletes as well as the commitment of our coaches.”

USM was one of 112 schools to receive gold status, earning points for character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion.