PUC Athletics Earns NAIA Character Award

Pacific Union College is thrilled to announce that the athletics department earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for the 2025-2026 season from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). To earn this award, NAIA colleges and universities use the Champions of Character core report to measure the pursuit of character-driven athletics, where they must reach a minimum of 60 out of 100 points. With PUC scoring 100, the NAIA recognizes the college is committed to providing an experience where their student-athletes can grow not just as competitors, but as individuals.

“For me, what makes this award special is that it represents our student-athletes,” said PUC Athletic Director Tony Nakashima. They have demonstrated that it’s possible to compete at a high level while showing respect for opponents, officials, teammates, and the game itself. Their commitment to living out those values is what truly earned this recognition.”

Nakashima credits the coaches for creating a program built on trust, accountability, and support that positively motivates their athletes to be the best versions of themselves on and off the court. With each coach heavily invested in each player, he says they inspire their student-athletes to grow in competition and life.

“At PUC, our goal is to develop well-rounded student-athletes who compete with passion, lead with integrity, and serve others with humility while reflecting the Christian values that are central to our institution,” said Nakashima. “We want our athletes to understand that success is about the character they build, the way they treat others, and the impact they have on those around them. If they leave PUC not only as better athletes, but as better people with a foundation of faith and purpose, then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do.”

While the department is honored to receive this award, it carries great responsibility. “We want to continue raising the standard and ensuring that every student-athlete leaves our program not only with a great athletic experience but also prepared to make a positive impact in their communities,” said Nakashima. “We want our athletes to leave here not only with memorable experiences on the field or on the court, but also with the leadership and life skills they will carry into their careers, families, and communities.”

PUC’s athletic department stands out from other schools through its Christian mission, with the belief that athletics is a wonderful outlet for students to grow in their personal and professional lives, as well as in faith and service. “While we certainly want to compete for championships, our ultimate goal is to help our student-athletes become leaders of integrity who will make a positive impact long after their playing days are over,” said Nakashima. “That combination of competitive excellence, personal development, and faith-based values is what makes PUC Athletics such a special place.”

As for the future of PUC’s athletic program with the NAIA, he hopes the college continues to build a program known for competitive success, developing well-rounded students and an environment where students can excel academically, athletically, and spiritually.

By graciously accepting this award, Nakashima hopes this recognition continues to reinforce the identity of PUC’s athletic program as a place where student-athletes can thrive competitively and personally, and inspires the coaches, staff, and players to keep striving for greatness. As they are proud to be recognized, PUC does not see this as the finish line—they see it as a standard to uphold. “Our goal is to continue building a culture where success is measured not only by wins, but by the lasting impact we have on the lives of our student-athletes and the example we set.”