IU Kokomo Women's Basketball Named RSC Female Team of Character
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of the women's basketball team at Indiana University Kokomo as the 2023-24 recipient of the River States Conference Women's Team of Character Award. The Cougars were selected after a vote from the RSC Champions of Character Committee.
The RSC Team of Character awards honor one men's and one women's team each year for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community. A deserving team demonstrates the NAIA's five core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. The award is patterned after the national team of character award presented by the NAIA.
In the nomination materials for the Cougars, it was stated "A core value instilled within the program daily is the cultivation of strong women committed to giving back to their communities." The Cougar women's basketball team plays an active role in the Kokomo community, including outreach programs such as adopting a local elementary school, hosting a charity basketball game to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities, and adopting a family and collectively shopping at Meijer to provide gifts for a family of four.
The Cougars' community outreach also extends onto the court, as the program welcomed two local girls to attend home games, integrating them fully into the team. The girls were invited to sit on the bench during games, visit the locker room with the team, and even attend some practices, where players showed them kindness and affection.
As stated in their nomination materials, the Cougars took time during the season to grow closer as a team, all while using the NAIA's five core character values as a baseline. The Cougars were able to "deepen their understanding of each other, and prioritize being supportive teammates."
The Cougars will now be considered for the national Team of Character award, given out annually by the NAIA and sponsored by the NAIA's Conference Commissioners Association.