Westcliff Athletics Earns Prestigious NAIA 5-Star Gold Status

Westcliff University’s Athletics struck gold – quite literally! We are thrilled to announce that our athletics department has been awarded the prestigious NAIA Champions of Character 5-Star Institution Gold Status, the highest honor in the NAIA Champions of Character program. This honor reinforces our commitment to the 5Cs: CHARACTER, CULTURE, COMMUNITY, COMMITMENT, and CHAMPIONSHIPS.

“We are immensely proud to achieve gold status as Champions of Character,” said Shawn Harris, Ph.D, Dean of Athletics. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering integrity, respect, and excellence in our student-athletes. It’s a testament to the hard work of our coaches, staff, and students, who embody these values daily.”

This marks the first-ever 5-Star Gold Status awarded for the Westcliff Athletics Department, which previously was awarded Bronze status in the 2021-2022 season. This advancement reflects a dedicated effort to not only uphold but exceed the standards set by the NAIA Champions of Character program and our athletics department.

The California Pacific Conference, which houses Westcliff athletics, was also awarded the 2023-2024 Champions of Character 5-Star Conference status.

Westcliff athletics earned this recognition by meeting some important criteria, including establishing a Champions of Character Conference Committee and a conduct oversight committee with at least three members. Additionally, at least 60 percent of member institutions within the conference must receive the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for the conference to qualify.

We’re incredibly proud of our Warriors for their dedication both on and off the field. We celebrate this achievement thanks to the hard work, dedication, and integrity of our entire athletics community. As Dean Harris stated, “together, we’re not just building champions on the field, but shaping leaders for life.”

To learn more about our programs and stay updated on our latest achievements and team schedules, visit our athletics page here.

Go Warriors!