Park University Gilbert has been recognized as a Five-Star Silver Champions of Character institution by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for the 2024-25 school year. The Buccaneers have been a member of the NAIA for five years and have earned this distinction in all five seasons with three gold and two silver awards.

This prestigious award was given to 210 schools in the NAIA this year and the Bucs conference the Grear Southwest Conference was named a Champions of Character Conference as eight schools within the conference received either a gold or silver designation..

Institutions were measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character ideals and earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

"I am very proud to have earned this award in every season we have been a member of the NAIA" said Director of Athletics Angelique Claussen. "This award is earned by everyone in the athletic department from coaches to the student success staff and admissions team. We will continue to strive to be the best versions of ourselves here at Park Gilbert and we work hard to keep improving every year."

"All of our teams did a wonderful job making a positive impact in the community," said Claussen "Individually,,Kayla Schroeder and Diego Bejarano won the prestigious GSAC Hamlow Award showcasing their talents not only athletically, but in the classroom and the community."

In addition, the Bucs had 10 teams with a overall team GPA over 3.0, led by women's soccer who posted a 3.8 GPA at the end of the school year.

Park University Gilbert looks to continue setting the standard for athletic, academic and community excellence as it starts year two in the Great Southwest Athletic Conference in 2025-26.