By Gabe Bain
Good character is something many of the Taylor sports teams strive to exemplify. Now the women's basketball team is being recognized for it.
The Lady Trojans were honored with the 2013 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Champions of Character Award.
The award is given out once a year to one team from each sport in the NAIA.
According to the NAIA, the Champions of Character program focuses on five main qualities: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
The Trojans received this honor for both their work on and off the court. It measured the attitude they had in practice and games and the affect they had on the community.
"We feel very privileged to have been selected," said head coach Tena Krause. "It's very humbling to be rewarded for helping others with their needs. We teach our players to have servant hearts with the intent that this characteristic will overflow into their lives as they continue on after graduation."
Kristin Gillette, Director of Champions of Character, discussed the importance of winning this award.
"It's the biggest thing outside of winning the National Championship," Gillette said. "Ultimately that is what a team is striving for."
The committee is comprised of NAIA women's basketball coaches throughout the nation. Nominations can be sent by any program, and the committee will review them.
Scott Stan, the Taylor student-athlete academic support director, nominated the Trojans for the award.
The team was recognized for their service with White's Residential and Family Services. Last spring, the seniors chose to continue to work with White's to paint its gym. They also mentored the girls at the institution.
"As seniors, we are expected to push for more service, interact in and give back to the community, and encourage the underclassmen to do the same," said senior Tess Rudolph.
Being recognized for their work off the court assures the team their work isn't going unnoticed, but it isn't why they do it.
"(It's) not an award that we attempt to earn," Krause said. "We just want to be able to serve others and glorify the Lord in doing so. No recognition for that is necessary."
Gillette said many teams were worthy of the award, but the way Taylor presented the core values of the NAIA to the community set them apart.
The women's basketball team hopes to continue serving others and keeping their focus on the community.
"The mindset it gives us is that we feel we are doing the right thing to help others as we have always strived to do," Krause said.
This prestigious NAIA award reminds the team members why they do what they do.
"It is a testament that our efforts are not in vain," Rudolph said. "This accolade attests that our attitudes and the way we treat others represents Christ and this institution well."
