Berry College (Ga .) Women's Tennis Program Receives Buffalo Funds Five Star Award

Coaches and student-athletes recognized for exhibiting exceptional character values

Posted 5.30.07

For a complete list of 2006-07 award recipients click here.

OLATHE, Kan. –  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. Berry College (Ga.) women’s tennis team was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for its dedication and implementation of the Champions of Character program’s five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The Lady Vikings are led by head coach Clay Hightower.  

“The ladies on our team enjoy the hard work that it takes to compete successfully because they truly like and care about each other. I believe they like each other because each has good core values,” said Hightower. “Having good character helps our performance both individually and as a team. You never feel alone because you know that your teammate is striving to do her best and you feel more empowered to overcome any obstacles.”

The Berry women’s tennis team has had success this year and in years past but do so with genuine respect for each other, opponents, coaches and bus drivers, everyone the team comes in contact with. It is a natural trait of the Lady Vikings. The group has a healthy respect for the sport of tennis and its written and unwritten rules. The team realizes it is a privilege to play while in college and that they are fortunate to have both the talent and opportunity.

The ladies do a great deal for the community and Berry College. The team takes part in the nationally recognized ABC (Athletes Bettering the Community) program and one player serves on the organizational board for the group. All Berry student-athletes work in the community and volunteer in a wide range of programs that include assisted living homes, nursing homes, elementary schools, Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and cemetery clean-ups. With a rigorous academic and tennis schedule Coach Hightower is extremely proud of the team for taking part.

Hightower feels the team’s commitment to sportsmanship is what sets his team apart. There is so much cheating and gamesmanship in college tennis that it can be disheartening. Berry players play fair and are non-combative on the court. When a player feels that a bad call has been made by their opponent they assume mistake instead of cheater. They also know that the coaching staff holds them to a higher standard and they respect and agree with the philosophy.

“One of the aspects of our team that I am most proud of is knowing that no matter what my teammates will always act with class and display sportsmanship both on and off the court,” said senior Kristin Hunter. “Character and good sportsmanship are fundamental qualities that are expected above all else.”

The Berry Lady Vikings are part of a community dedicated to intentionally teaching character in and out of sport. To learn more visit www.berry.edu.

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.

Buffalo Funds

Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.