VISION

 

At Calvin College the athletics program is part of a comprehensive liberal arts education in the Reformed tradition of Christianity.  Through our learning and our competition, we seek to be agents of renewal in our world, and offer our hearts and lives to do God’s work in all areas of life.

 

PURPOSE

 

To engage in education and competition in a way that is consistent with our understanding of sport as Christians.

 

            We strive to be agents of renewal in sport in a way that is consistent with our value systems at Calvin.  In this framework, we teach our student-athletes to value respect, honesty, loyalty, fidelity, integrity and cooperation within competition and the classroom.

 

                We aim to develop student/athletes who understand that athletics are a gift from God and should be received and valued. Our student/athletes are educated to appreciate the creativity of competitive play, the joy of participation, the expressiveness of movement, the satisfaction of intense effort and the motivation of goal setting.

 

                Our faculty and coaches recognize that athletics is one part of a comprehensive liberal arts education. They encourage their student/athletes to view their athletic experiences as a complement to the overall mission and purpose of Calvin College.

 

To produce student athletes who excel in both in their chosen athletic areas and in their chosen fields of study.

 

                We pursue excellence by providing an environment in which our students can develop intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially for a life of service in Christ’s kingdom on earth.

 

                We prepare our student-athletes to perform to the best of their abilities and participate in competition to win. We are grateful for God's gift of sport, and for the ability to strive together with teammates and opponents alike, taking great delight in God's company through our play.  Such playful, cooperative competition honors both God and the competitive process.

 

 

To perform all of our tasks as a caring and diverse athletic community.

 

We realize that intercollegiate athletics are a visible part of the Calvin community.  As coaches, student-athletes and  staff, we seek to gather diverse people and gifts around a common pledge and purpose; pursue justice, compassion, and discipline; and provide a training ground for the life of Christian virtue.  

Our coaches, student-athletes and staff  have a responsibility to consistently demonstrate an understanding of the values that are taught, so as to have a positive impact on the community and the college.

 

 

COMMITMENT

            By upholding the overall mission and purpose of Calvin College - that of offering an education that is shaped by Christian faith, thought and practice - we endeavor to promote an athletic program that brings glory to God, and honor to the Calvin community.