Fullerton, CA - The NAIA announced that the GSAC has been named a 2024-25 Five-Star Conference Award recipient, marking the 14th consecutive year the conference has received the award.  

The GSAC has always strived for its membership and student-athletes to compete with the highest of character, and this past season was no exception. Four GSAC institutions – Arizona Christian, Benedictine Mesa, Hope International, and OUAZ – were named Champions of Character® Five-Star Institutions at the Gold Level with each recording a perfect score.

In addition, GSAC members Embry-Riddle, Life Pacific, Park Gilbert, and The Master's were awarded at the Silver level.

Every year, each NAIA institution and conference demonstrates its progress in pursuing character-driven athletics. The Champions of Character Scorecard measures growth in training, promotion, conduct in competition and commitment in five key areas, with a possible 100 points. Institutions can be recognized as Champions of Character Five-Star Institutions at three different levels: Gold (90-100 points), Silver (75-89 points) and Bronze (60-74 points).

Conferences earn the Five-Star Conference Award based in part on at least 50 percent of their schools being named Five-Star Institution Award winners. The conference must also have a Champions of Character Committee and a Conduct in Competition Oversight Committee.

This year, 210 NAIA institutions earned the Five-Star Institution Award. The Champions of Character program's mission is to help student-athletes and their coaches embody five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.