[Champions of Character] Trinity Christian College: Champions of Character Review

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – Committed to making a difference on campus and in the community, to fulfilling the mission of the College, and to following the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, the student-athletes at Trinity Christian College served both local and distance communities in various ways throughout the 2021-22 school year. The athletes were able to share their gifts, demonstrate the love of Christ through word and action, and display the NAIA five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

A couple of the teams paired with local ministries to work with underserved youth as well as help out at their facilities. The women's volleyball team connected with Restoration Ministries and invited their youth to campus for a volleyball clinic. The team also helped went to the Ministries' building in Harvey to assist in preparing classrooms for their after-school programs. The women's soccer team spent a day at Roseland Christian Ministries, where they played with the children in residence there and served a meal and fellowshipped with the families.

Other teams were involved in community service outreach and projects. Members of the cross country and track and field teams volunteered at the Elim Christian School Dutch Festival to help with the clean up after the event.  The men's basketball team gave of their time and efforts in a community day sponsored by Calvary Church in Oak Lawn. The athletes did some cleaning at the church as well as moved books at a local library. The women's basketball team was a part of the Alsip Fire Department Open House, where they volunteered at the kid's activities. During a preseason trip to Colorado, the men's and women's golf team connected with Denver Christian School and were able to help out in a renovation project. The athletes relocated and shelved library books, assembled desks, and did some general clean-up at the school.

Throughout the year the softball team collected pop tops which they donated to the Ronald McDonald House, which in turn sold the pop tops to help raise money to fund the services at the house. The team also took part in a Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana. At this special prom night for individuals with special needs, the team served as buddies, photographers, and the cheer team, and did whatever they could to make the evening special for the participants. In addition, the softball team also supported their team manager, who as a part of the American Red Cross Leadership Program, as she coordinated two blood drives on campus. Team members helped with the check-in process, monitored participants, helped with promotion, and gave blood themselves.

In connection with their post-season tournaments, some of the teams were in involved in service projects in which they collected food items, gloves, scarves, and mittens, and other items to donate to food pantries and shelters. They also brought donuts and thank you notes to local first responders at fire and police stations, nursing homes, and at schools.

Trinity athletes were also involved in campus sponsored service projects and community activities. They also took part in leadership training with their teammates and organized a Bible Study that included athletes from a variety of the teams. Overall the athletes found ways to serve and develop and demonstration positive character.