NatioNal associatioN of iNtercollegiate athletics

Keep playing. Keep learning. Keep growing. gaMe on.

The gaMe plan: opporTuniTy To play.

Committed student-athletes never truly

lose the fire or get sports out of their

systems. In the NAIA, there’s no reason

to give up what you love. Our member

colleges and universities give student-

athletes the chance to compete and

learn the ultimate benefits of teamwork

and accomplishment. NAIA student-

athletes experience what it means to be

a championship-level competitor.

where every sTudenT-aThleTe MaTTers.

In the NAIA, every student-athlete

matters and is supported in the

ongoing pursuit of being his or her

best. Our institutions, administrators

and coaches are in unique positions

to positively impact the educational,

athletic and emotional development

of young people. Tight-knit campus

communities mean closer interaction,

stronger relationships, and

personalized attention.

wiTh characTer as our guide.

Our nearly 300 colleges and

universities extend across the United

States and Canada. And they all have

one thing in common: Character. The

NAIA Champions of Character program

provides our student-athletes and

member institutions with the training

and positive examples of how character

matters. It changes perspectives and

fuels better performance on the

field, in the classroom and in

personal relationships.

prepared for leadership. and life.

Throughout its history, the NAIA has

earned a reputation as strong off the

field as on it. At NAIA campuses,

student-athletes form close bonds and

lifelong friendships with peers, coaches

and faculty. We also help students

mature and develop on all levels –

through programs that help prepare

them not only for competition and

graduation, but also leadership

roles after college.

naia facTs // 60,000 Student-Athletes // 23 National Championships// Close to 300 Colleges and Universities // $450 Million in Athletic Scholarships

This is The place To do iT all.

Student-athletes come first in the

National Association of Intercollegiate

Athletics (NAIA). Their needs, desires

and ambitions guide our every

decision. They are the inspiration

that drives us to make character a

core component and benefit of all

intercollegiate sports.

That’s why we are here and why we

stand apart.

“The life lessons I learned while competing in the NAIA are embedded in who I am. I learned to lead through that experience.”Mike Mccarthy // head coach Super Bowl® chaMpion Green Bay packerS, forMer Student-athlete at Baker univerSity

Naia eligiBilitY ceNter

gaMe on.

learn More and join us aT: naia.org

“I play NAIA because it challenges me to live to my fullest potential and demonstrate excellence in every area of my life, not just on the field.”naia Soccer Student-athlete

It’s one thing to gain admission to

the world of higher education. It’s

quite another to do so, confident in

the knowledge you made the right

decision and are well-prepared

for success.

The NAIA Eligibility Center is the

resource that helps prospective

student-athletes get answers to some

of the big questions they may have

about their next steps. Perhaps most

importantly, registered students have

the distinct advantage of being able to

personally connect with NAIA coaches

and administrators before choosing

the college that’s right for them.

The NAIA Eligibility Center not

only determines the eligibility of

prospective student-athletes, it

delivers on our larger promise of

integrity by leveling the playing field,

guiding student-athlete success and

ensuring fairness in competition.

your college sporTs experience sTarTs here.

Naia chaMPioNs of character

It’s easy to admire an amazing athletic

performance. What’s not always obvious

is what guides a student-athlete inside.

The NAIA Champions of Character

program provides training to ensure true

character and abilities are demonstrated

through conduct as well as competition,

so our students know, do and value the

right thing in all areas of life.

Our innovative program was developed

in response to the growing problem

of deteriorating standards of integrity

in sports as well as society. NAIA

Champions of Character training,

delivered on our campuses and in the

communities we serve, centers on our

five core values: Integrity, Respect,

Responsibility, Sportsmanship and

Servant Leadership.

These values are put into play,

accounted for and measured every

day. Each NAIA coach completes a

character training course. The NAIA

helps define expectations and standards

while tracking every school’s progress

in pursuing character programs and

admirable conduct in competition. It’s a

system that works and has an impact

far beyond the campus.

changing The culTure of sporT.

learn More aT: chaMpionsofcharacTer.org

learn More aT: playnaia.org

snap this Qr code with your smartphone to learn more about the Naia.

National Association of

Intercollegiate Athletics

1200 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64106

naia.org

(816) 595-8000