WICHITA, Kan. — The Bethel College women's golf team has been named the 2024-25 KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year, a prestigious recognition honoring their commitment to service, leadership, and the values that define the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative.

Selected by peer coaches across the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, this award recognizes not just athletic excellence but the integrity and character that the Bethel golfers display both on and off the course.

Throughout the year, the Threshers have made a strong impact beyond their sport. Their service highlights include:

• Volunteering at the USGA Adaptive Open last summer.

• Tutoring at local schools to help young students thrive academically.

• Participating in a school supply drive with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to support under-resourced communities around the globe.

• Starting Fridays off with smiles and encouragement through "High Five Fridays" at a local elementary school.

• Pitching in on Bethel's campus service day, giving back to their own community.

Senior Elly Bertholf was also named Bethel's individual KCAC Champion of Character, a testament to her leadership and embodiment of the NAIA's five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership