BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford Athletics Department is beginning a new CHAMPS program to benefit the school's student-athletes, the department announced Wednesday.
 
"Helping student-athletes prepare for life outside of their sport and after college is fundamentally important to us," Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives JeNorri Armstead said. "Therefore, I am excited to announce the CHAMPS program which will help us make large strides toward our goals in helping with leadership development, personal development, professional development and community engagement."
 
The CHAMPS program name stands for Community, Health and wellness, Academics, Meaning, Professionalism and Success. The mission of the CHAMPS Program is to invest in Samford's student-athletes through comprehensive development in all aspects including athletic and academic competitiveness, personal growth and wellness, career growth and professionalism, faith formation and community engagement in order to have meaningful success that will create champions for life.
 
"Samford is being very intentional in its efforts to invest in our student-athletes, not just from an athletic standpoint, but as a total person," General Manager of Ticket Sales and Operations David Moore said. "The sport they compete in is something they do, not their entire identity. The CHAMPS program addresses this as it is a comprehensive strategy for development in all aspects of the student-athlete's life. Our goal is to prepare our student-athletes to be successful while on campus, but more importantly as they enter life after athletics. As a former student-athlete, I know how much of an impact a program like this can make."

The philosophy of the program is to address the Samford student-athlete as a whole person, not just a student or an athlete. Samford is taking a vested interest in setting up each student-athlete for success during their college career, but more importantly for life after athletics. Below is a breakdown of several of the areas the program will focus on. For a full overview of the program, click here: PROGRAM OVERVIEW. For more information on the CHAMPS program, contact Armstead at jarmstea@samford.edu.  
 
ATHLETIC AND ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS

• Samford University expects to be competitive on & off the field.
• Our student-athletes should have the same drive for success in the classroom as they do competing in their respective sport.
• As a Samford Bulldog, we strive to be a champion in every aspect.
• "Set the Bulldog Standard"

 
PERSONAL GROWTH AND WELLNESS

• Samford University provides resources to student-athletes for topics such as nutrition, financial planning & literacy, and mental health.
• It is important to take steps to invest in the student-athlete as a person and not just associate them with being a student or an athlete.
• We must instill that the student-athlete is not defined by the sport they play, but who they are as a person.

 
CAREER GROWTH AND PROFESSIONALISM

• This program will provide the resources for student-athletes to determine their professional interest, further their career path, learn how to market themselves in a fast-paced work force, and assist in internship opportunities & full-time employment upon completion of their degree.
• Samford University leverages Samford faculty & staff, S-Club members, alumni, and other professionals as resources and industry connections.

 
FAITH FORMATION

• Our goal is to help our student-athletes grow spiritually in a Christ-centered environment and provide opportunities for our student-athletes to grow as leaders on their teams and in the community. 

 
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Samford student-athletes are involved in various community engagement projects each year.  Student-athletes understand the importance of giving back to the community and serving as ambassadors for the University through assisting in various community events and representing Samford Athletics in campus-wide outreach projects.  Our student-athletes understand that they serve as role models for aspiring young students/athletes.  

 
MEANING

• As a Samford Bulldog, you should be intentional with your efforts and for those efforts to have meaning.
• Be purpose-driven.
• When you do something with purpose & meaning, you do it regardless of the outcome.
• What's your WHY?

 
S-CLUB

• "Once a Bulldog, Always a Bulldog"
• This program will further build the connection of former and current Samford student-athletes.
• Samford will use the vast pipeline of former student-athletes in various fields to build industry connections for employment and fostering mentorship for the current student-athletes.

 
EXAMPLE EVENTS AND RESOURCES

• Student-athlete, coaches, and staff breakfast
• Samford Alumni Networking Night
• Student-athlete Welcome Back
• Career Fair
• Workshops – Title IX, Mental Health, Sexual Assault Prevention, Positive Talk, Leadership
• Speaker Series
• 1-on-1 meetings with staff and administration
• Internships
• S-Club
• Community Service

 
UPCOMING EVENTS

• September 18^th and 25^th we will have Susann Montgomery Clark from the Megan Montgomery Foundation joining former Alabama Football student-athlete Chris "Ceejay" Jordan and former UAB Softball Head Coach and Senior Associate Athletic Director Marla Townsend for presentations to our student-athletes about cultivating healthy relationships.
• Opportunity to lead the NCAA through the community service competition with Helper Helper.
  • Helper Helper is a volunteer management tracking system that allows us to track our community engagement and provide an easy way for student-athletes to sign up for community service opportunities.
  • Competition runs September 15^th-December 15^th.
  • Community service opportunities available for our student-athletes with A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club, Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank and Smile-A-Mile.

 
FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford Athletics, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordSports (Twitter), and @SamfordSports (Instagram).