CHAMPS/Life Skills
All-American John Bryant (left) receives his diploma at the 2009 graduation from SCU President, Father Michael Engh.
I
Three-time Bronco Volleyball All-American and former SAAC President Anna Cmaylo
16
n 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division I-A Athletic Director’s Associate, the program was created. Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the CHAMPS/Life Skills program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. CHAMPS stands for Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success. The Life Skills Program at Santa Clara University includes many programs all designed to help make the student-athlete’s experience a positive one. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is an NCAA SCU brought in media trainer sponsored program designed to focus on the total development of Sue Castorino of the Speaking the student-athlete. Part of the mission of the Athletic Department Specialists (right) this year from is to encourage student-athletes to achieve excellence in their acaChicago. Here Sue works with demic and athletic pursuits; and to be involved in the community. Troy Payne. The Broncos’ involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills program helps student-athletes enhance the quality of their experience here within the university setting. In addition to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.), an advisory committee on campus made up strictly of student-athletes to help student-athletes, the NCAA provides instructional materials and supplemental resources which support the key five areas of CHAMPS/Life Skills: academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development and community service.
Members of the men’s basketball team and the nationally-ranked women’s soccer team supported the Bronco volleyball team in their efforts to raise money for Breast Cancer research as part of DIG PINK day vs. Gonzaga.