SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida Athletics has been recognized as an NAIA Champions of Character® Five-Star Gold Institution for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the first time in department history the Mighty Banyans have earned the organization's highest level of institutional recognition.

The Five-Star Gold designation is the highest honor awarded through the NAIA Champions of Character® program. Institutions are recognized at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels based on their commitment to character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion.

Five-Star Gold institutions are recognized for fostering a culture of sportsmanship, academic excellence, and character development while creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to live out the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

The recognition marks another milestone for New College Athletics and reflects the department's continued commitment to developing student-athletes who excel in the classroom, in competition, and as members of the campus and local community.