Dordt University was named a Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Award winner for the 2024-25 athletic year, announced by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). A total of 132 institutions from the NAIA earned gold level distinction.

Defender Athletics earned a perfect 100 on the Champions of Character scorecard for the 2024-25 athletic year, placing it in the Gold level. 

• "We proudly uphold the 'Defender Way' by fostering a culture that embodies Christ in everything we do," commented Dordt University Director of Athletics Darin Keizer. "It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as a Character Five-Star Institution – Gold Level, reflecting our unwavering commitment to the principles of Dordt University and alignment with the Champions of Character program of the NAIA."

To achieve a gold distinction, a school must score 90 or above on the Champions of Character scorecard. The NAIA measures institutions on:

• character training
• conduct in competition
• academic focus
• character recognition
• character promotion

Institutions also earn points for exceptional grade point averages and for having minimal to no ejections during competition.

2024-25 Dordt Athletics Accomplishments:

• Dordt won the GPAC All-Sports Trophy for the second time in three years
• Defender teams won four GPAC titles
  • GPAC titles won: men's and women's cross country; men's and women's basketball
• Women's Basketball team won its second consecutive NAIA National Championship
• Payton Mauldin won the national title in the 600m for the indoor track and field season
• Seven Dordt teams finished their season ranked/receiving votes in their respective national poll
• Seven Defender teams were represented at their respective national tournament/meet
• 35th in the final NAIA Learfield Cup Standings

Additionally, the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) was named a Champions of Character Five-Star Conference, with at least 60% of its member institutions receiving the award.