CEDARVILLE, Ohio - The Cedarville University women’s tennis team has been named the recipient of the 2010 NAIA Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award. Only one program in each NAIA sport throughout the country earns the prestigious honor each year.
The Lady Jacket tennis team joins the women’s volleyball squad (2005) as the only Cedarville athletic programs to ever receive the award. The announcement was made at the NAIA Tennis Championship banquet in Mobile, Ala.
Winners of the Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award are selected based upon their documented display of exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community. Specifically, fulfillment of at least one of the core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership is taken into consideration.
The Lady Jackets, who finished their season 15-9 overall and shared the American Mideast Conference championship with a 6-1 mark, were involved with the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas project as well as being actively involved in service projects at the NCCAA National Tournament. They also maintained weekly Bible studies as well as prayer partners to encourage others on the team.
"We consider good character as ‘expected’ rather than ‘exemplary,’" remarked head coach Dr. Dee Morris. "Our tennis team is known for its consistent sportsmanship and conduct.
"At an away match (earlier in the season), a parent of one of the girls on the opposing team said to our bus driver, ‘Your girls are the best sports of all the teams we play. They have their priorities right.’ The coach of a team we played said to me, ‘Your girls are always a class act!’
"As to how our character might be perceived on campus, perhaps the fact that an athlete on another of our teams has made the decision (with her coach’s knowledge and permission) to play tennis during her junior and senior years. Her reason: ‘I see in the tennis team what I want to be part of.’"
Rachel Arthur, a graduating senior from Burlington, Ind., spoke for the team by adding, "In reality, we think having good character is more important than winning or losing. The record will one day be lost, but how we interacted with those we played against will always remain. We want to make it count!"