Spartans Serve Their Community

The NCC athletic program was named the winner of the prestigious Region 19 Champions of Character Award for a record 9th time. The Champions of Character Award is presented annually by Region 19 to the athletic program that demonstrates outstanding results in character development of its student-athletes and coaches by embracing the true spirit of competition through the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship. In addition, the program must show outstanding involvement in the community, which results in positive character development through sport. 

“We are proud of our continued push to give back to our campus and to our community through our community service efforts. The Champions of Character Award embodies our culture and is a staple of our Athletic Department and each of our respective teams,” said Adrian Yaguez, associate athletic director. 

This past year, 125 student-athletes participated in at least one community service event. The Northampton Athletic Department – staff, coaches and student-athletes – were able to coordinate and execute events throughout the year, totaling over 500 hours of community service. This included donating over $700 to the Sarah Smiles Foundation, an organization built to support Pediatric Cancer patients and their families, during the annual Dig Pink event. 

NCC athletics’ "Kids Win" program has expanded to 19 individuals and continues to grow through a partnership with Northampton Area School District. This program is designed to assist high school students with intellectual disabilities build job readiness skills by spending time gaining confidence and experience with the Spartan Athletic Department throughout the academic year.  

Athletics also hosted the VIA All-Star Classic – an All-Star high school basketball event centered around helping families and individuals with disabilities. The event raised over $10,000 to help support those efforts.  

In addition, NCC’s women's volleyball team was recognized with the Sportsmanship Award at the NJCAA women's volleyball national tournament.  
 
Previous Region 19 Champions of Character Awards: 

 
2023-24 - Northampton Athletics 
2022-23 - Northampton Athletics 
2021-22 - Northampton Athletics 
2020-21 - Northampton Athletics 
2019-20 - Northampton Athletics 
2018-19 - Northampton Athletics 
2017-18 - Northampton Athletics 
2016-17 - Northampton Athletics 
2014-15 - Northampton Athletics