Holy Cross College: Champions of Character Review

NOTRE DAME, IN – The Holy Cross College athletic department participated in numerous service projects over the 2021-2022 academic calendar. The Saints volunteered with many local groups and organizations and were able to display the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership found in the NAIA Champions of Character program.

The basketball and soccer programs at Holy Cross were very active this year in community outreach. All four programs volunteered at numerous local school systems. Some of the schools visited were Christ the King Elementary, Madison Elementary School, St. Matthew Catholic School, and St. John the Baptist Catholic School. The HC student-athletes conducted sports clinics, gave classroom presentations, participated in book readings, and on occasion helped classroom teachers facilitate lesson plans with a focus on character education. All four programs were also involved with the annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive, where they packed food baskets and delivered them door to door throughout the community.

Both soccer teams were once again active in the TOPSoccer organization where they engaged with youth on a weekly basis. TOPSoccer is a program that uses the sport of soccer to promote character education such as teamwork and sportsmanship. The basketball programs jointly organized a MLK Day Celebration on a double-header basketball night, where they honored the life of Martin Luther King Jr. highlighting his humanitarianism. The men's basketball team, as has become their custom the last few years, adopted a local boy through Team Impact. The young man and his family attended many home games and visited with players. He also would often play games with the players after practices. The team had a Christmas and Birthday celebration with he and his family and many of the players often accompanied him to his physical therapy sessions.