KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Indiana University Kokomo Athletics has been recognized as an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level Five-Star Institution for the 2025-26 academic year, earning the highest distinction presented through the NAIA's Champions of Character program.

After receiving the Silver Level Five-Star Award a year ago, the Cougars elevated to Gold status by earning a perfect score through the NAIA's comprehensive Champions of Character evaluation process. The NAIA's Champions of Character program is built upon five core values—Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership—and recognizes institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering character-driven athletics.

To earn Five-Star recognition, institutions are evaluated in the areas of character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Schools accumulate points through initiatives that promote sportsmanship and leadership, exceptional student-athlete academic achievement, and maintaining minimal to no ejections throughout the academic year.

IU Kokomo Director of Athletics Heather Hayes had this to say about the recognition: "Earning recognition as an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level Five-Star Institution is a tremendous honor for our athletic department. Moving from Silver to Gold reflects the intentional work of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes to build a culture rooted in integrity, respect, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship. While we're proud of this achievement, what matters most is the daily commitment to developing outstanding people, not just successful athletes. This recognition affirms that our values are being lived out both in competition and throughout our campus community."

IU Kokomo was one of 203 NAIA institutions to earn Five-Star recognition for the 2025-26 academic year, while the River States Conference was once again recognized as an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Conference.

To learn more about the NAIA and it's Champions of Character program, click HERE.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.