BMCU Softball Wins SSAC Champions of Character Award
Montgomery, Ala. — Blue Mountain Christian University softball has earned the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Mayor Todd Strange Female Champions of Character Team Award, the conference announced Monday at its annual awards banquet.
The award recognizes the team that best exemplifies the NAIA Champions of Character core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The honor highlights the program’s culture, shaped by head coach Matt Brunet and assistant coach MJ George, both of whom received NFCA NAIA Region 1 Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
Throughout the season, the Toppers demonstrated a commitment to serving others and representing the university with excellence. One example cited was Brunet and George assisting opposing players after a doubleheader by driving them to local restaurants and back to their hotel, reflecting the team’s servant-hearted leadership.
The award caps a season of historic achievements. The Toppers made their first NAIA National Championship Opening Round appearance and finished among the top teams in the conference. They set multiple program records and earned several individual accolades, including NFCA NAIA Region 1 honors for center fielder Anna Harrison and first baseman Aspen Teague.
Harrison set program records for runs scored and stolen bases, while pitcher Neely Cooper delivered a no-hitter during the season. Brunet emphasized that the award reflects values beyond wins and losses. “We want our players to compete at a high level, but more importantly, to represent Christ and Blue Mountain Christian University with integrity, humility, and a servant’s heart,” he said.
Blue Mountain Director of Athletics Curt Fowler praised the team for embodying the university’s mission both on and off the field. “Coach Brunet and Coach George have built a program that reflects everything we hope Blue Mountain athletics will represent,” Fowler said. “Their willingness to serve others and lead with character sets this team apart.”
The Champions of Character award offers a fitting conclusion to a season remembered for both its accomplishments and its display of leadership and integrity, the university said.
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