Courtesy of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
WICHITA, Kan. (kcacsports.com) — The Sterling College softball team has been named the 2022-23 KCAC Women’s Team of Character, the conference office announced Thursday. All KCAC Champions of Character Awards are presented by IMA Financial Group and Dissinger Reed.
In their nomination for this award, it was mentioned multiple times how the Warriors embody each of the core values of the Champions of Character program. Jason Briar, vice president for student life at Sterling College, summed it up well: “Sterling College Softball embodies the core values of Champions of Character: respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. They consistently demonstrate respect for others, taking the time to build relationships and support for other student-athletes across the campus. They are responsible and accountable, always following through on their commitments and striving for excellence in their work and personal life. Their integrity is beyond reproach, as they consistently act with honesty and transparency in all their dealings. They exhibit sportsmanship in their interactions with others, treating everyone with fairness and dignity. Lastly, they are true servant leaders, always willing to go above and beyond to support their teammates and community.”
The Warriors participated in a variety of service projects throughout the year, including, but not limited to:
- Painting fire hydrants for Sterling’s town hall
- Painting a house for a community member and cleaning up yards for community members
- Three kids camps in Inman
- Volunteering for Warrior Women Leadership Coalition events
“Christ and Character are two things that are the core foundation of our softball program here at Sterling College,” Taylor Stoltz, the Warriors’ softball head coach, said. “Character stays with you for the rest of your life and is essential in every aspect of life. This value has helped our team come closer together. Not everyone has to like each other, but we have mutual respect for valuing every single person. Off the field, they support each other’s events and celebrate each other as well. On the field, their energy and effort are always there. Whether or not they’re in the starting lineup, everyone has a role and they come together and pick each other up. I am incredibly proud of my team’s commitment to these values on and off the field this year.”
“We are thrilled to hear our softball program has won this award,” Sterling College Athletic Director Justin Morris said. “Coach Stoltz and her softball team have embodied the values of the Champions of Character program. Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to serve have been remarkable not only on our campus but also in our community.
