Bethany College Volleyball Program Receives Buffalo Funds Five Star Award

Coaches and student-athletes recognized for exhibiting exceptional character values

Posted 1.10.07, Shaun Hughes, NAIA Intern

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 will present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. Bethany College (Kan.) volleyball program was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for their dedication and implementation of the Champions of Character program’s five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The Swedes, who compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, are led by head coach TeAna Crutcher.

“I believe that if we can honor the Champions of Character core ethical values as a team we will be successful not only on the court but in life and in the end that is what our job as coaches is to prepare these young ladies to be successful in life,” said Crutcher. “The players have had to work through difficult times in the season with only seven players on the team roster. The team’s ability to overcome adversities such as injuries, poor performances and sickness has yet to deter the young student-athletes from their team goals or diminish their love for the game.”

Each season, a group of talented and dedicated young women compete in the Bethany volleyball program. Many of the players are involved in campus leadership as well as upholding a reputation for academic excellence as a team. Consistent with the overall mission of Bethany College, the volleyball program strives to prepare individuals for future success in a community of faith and creative learning. The following student-athletes compete on the Swedes volleyball team: Kelli Noonan, Angelisa Sexton, Emily Venrich, Brittany Westenfelder, Andrea Ohlman, Lisa Runnebaum and Debra Powell.

“Coach has always instilled in us that we as a volleyball family will live and play by the pillars of character.  We have adopted this theory and have been successful,” said Powell. “When faced with adversity we always refer back to our character. It has helped us to work through difficult times this season. Ultimately, these are values we have learned but more often need to practice.” 

“Since the Swede volleyball team went an entire season with only seven student-athletes they all had to mature quickly and realize that they had to hold each other accountable for their actions on and off the court,” said Crutcher. “These girls have stayed by their promises and pledges to their teammates. When they say they are going to do something they do it and they do it with passion.”

Bethany College women’s volleyball team gave up their free time off the court to give back to the community of Lindsborg. Volleyball team members conducted a mini volleyball clinic for young girls and also participated in Bethany’s annual Lift High the Cross. Coach Crutcher takes pride in her team’s ability to never turn down an opportunity at improving the surrounding community.

NAIA

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.