KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Independent Institutions announced the 2024-25 winners of the Champions of Character Five-Star Award based on the the 2024-25 school year.

Earning the gold medal for the fifth time in six years, the Lions' and Lady Lions' conduct this season resulted in Freed-Hardeman being one of 65 member institutions to earn a perfect 100 score.

According to the NAIA, "Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year."

The Mid-South Conference was also named as an Champions of Character Five-Star Conference with all seven members receiving the award including five schools earning a perfect score.

For more information on the Champions of Character initiative, click here to be directed to a page with several resources including Dr. Matt Barker's "Playing With a Purpose" podcast.

For a full list of the 2024-25 winners, click here.