NAIA College Athletics and Athletic Scholarships
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is an organization that promotes the academic development of students through intercollegiate athletics. To date, the NAIA has 300 member colleges and universities and has over 60,000 participating student athletes. One of their primary objectives is to make a difference in the lives of student athletes.
NAIA Member Involvement
Each member college or university must share similar philosophies regarding students, education, and intercollegiate sports. The primary philosophy each shares is that intercollegiate sports are beneficial for student’s overall education process. Another requirement to become part of the NAIA is the philosophy of gender equality. Each college or university must try to distribute opportunities in athletics, equally for men and women. Finally, the NAIA has developed five core values that participating colleges must follow, which are respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship. These core values are designed to create an environment, for coaches, athletes, officials, and spectators, to understand the true spirit of competition.
NAIA Scholarships
One vital aspect of the NAIA is the opportunity that student athletes have for finding and receiving scholarships. There are numerous scholarships offered currently for men and women. Approximately 90 percent of member colleges offer athletic scholarships. and there are several reasons for this. For one, members of the NAIA must abide by fewer restrictions regarding athlete and coach contact. If an athlete is not comfortable at one institution, he can transfer to another without being penalized athletically.
Scholarships for Men
· Baseball
· Basketball
· Cross Country
· Football
· Golf
· Soccer
· Swimming and Diving
· Tennis
· Track and Field
· Wrestling
Scholarships for Women
· Basketball
· Cross Country
· Golf
· Soccer
· Softball
· Swimming and Diving
· Tennis
· Track and Field
· Volleyball
Goals and Benefits
The NAIA aims at enriching the college experience for all student athletes within these colleges and universities. This organization is committed to ensuring that students are treated as individuals in order to maximize each athlete’s talent and abilities. The philosophies, beliefs, and goals of the NAIA are designed primarily to benefit the student athletes who are participating. By using the five core values, the NAIA is committed to ensuring that students develop good character traits and excellence in academics, athletics, and life skills. One way this organization meets its goals is by offering exclusive opportunities to many student athletes each year. This is accomplished by awarding millions of dollars of scholarships yearly, promoting excellence in education, and supporting competitive athletic opportunities that offer safe, enriching environments for all who are involved.
For those interested, contact us today to find out if you are eligible for a scholarship to a member college or university.
Author: David Frank
Find opportunities for athletic scholarships and get connected to college coaches.