Greenville, SC- The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) has selected Emma Kile of Clearwater Christian College (FL) and Corey Burke of Judson University (IL) to receive the NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award.

The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character qualities of:

Love - demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others (I Corinthians 13)

Integrity - living out ethical principles in a clear consistent manner (Job 27:5)

Faith - acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others (Hebrews 11)

Excellence - striving to do all things at the highest standard (Philippians 4:8)

Emma Kile, a senior volleyball player at Clearwater Christian College (FL), has been named the female recipient of the Inaugural NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE (GP4L) Character Award. An elementary education major from Butler, PA, Emma embodies what the GP4L is all about as she lives out the four qualities of the award. Being the lone senior on her team this past season, Emma’s leadership was vital to her team’s success. Emma was not simply a leader, but a servant leader to her team and campus. Opposing coaches, such as Jim Butski of Florida Christian College, notice that, “The love she shows for teammates, fans, and opponents is unconditional.” Emma excels on the court as a NCCAA All-American and player of the year, while also excelling in the classroom as a scholar athlete and member of the dean’s list. Assistant Athletic Director Keith Champion commented about Emma, “Whether it is in the classroom, on campus, or on the court, Emma has impacted her campus, and those around her, for the Lord during her years at Clearwater Christian College.”

 

Corey Burke, a senior men’s soccer player at Judson University (IL), has been named the male recipient of the Inaugural NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE (GP4L) Character Award. A pre-med major from West Chicago, IL, Corey embodies all the character qualities of a GP4L award recipient. The coaches, faculty, and administration at Judson all agree upon the impeccable character of this young man. “Corey is one of our finest athletes on campus,” said Interim Director of Athletics Tony Tompkins, “because he is the true student-athlete leading on the field, in the classroom, and in service.” Corey has received numerous NCCAA and NAIA athletic and academic awards in his years at Judson. In addition to excelling on the field and in the class room, Corey’s leadership reaches from his soccer team, to FCA, to small groups, to mission trips. He is very involved in the local community, volunteering at a local hospital once a week, and also the global community, traveling across the world to be involved in soccer and medical clinics. Associate Director of Athletics at Judson, Adam Ledyard, said, “Working to become a doctor in the future, Corey’s heart is enormous when it comes to helping people.”

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award, Emma Kile and Corey Burke!