WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross Director of Athletics Marcus Blossom has announced the creation of the Crusader Champions Academy, a personal and leadership development program specifically designed to support Crusader student-athletes in their quest to become champions in the classroom, in the community and in competition. Through specialized programming and the utilization of campus resources, the Crusader Champions Academy will provide the tools for community involvement, accelerated individual growth and success beyond graduation.

"We are very excited to offer this new personal development program for our student-athletes," said Blossom. "Our obligation is to ensure our young people have the time, space, energy and resources to enhance their development during their time at Holy Cross and prepare them to lead a life of purpose after they graduate." 

The Crusader Champions Academy will offer a series of integrated opportunities for student-athletes to engage in four pillars of personal development: career development; leadership and character development; spirituality, health and wellness; and social and cultural engagement. Student-athletes will be presented with structured programming designed to match the progression of their four-year college experience, with three levels of achievement they are challenged to complete throughout each year.

"The Crusader Champions Academy will seek to play a key role in the growth and development of our student-athletes," said Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Development Aaron Dashiell. "We plan to tap into the college's resources while adding original components in areas of need specific to student-athletes. There will be an emphasis on faith and service to others, allowing students to explore their spiritual journeys over their four years on campus. We will challenge our students to escalate their commitment to their own growth and development over their four years while fully immersing themselves into the complete Holy Cross experience."

The Crusader Champions Academy will strive to strengthen partnerships across campus with the whole student body, campus administrators and programs. In addition to utilizing existing campus resources and encouraging student-athlete participation, the Department of Athletics will provide additional opportunities designed for student-athletes in the areas of mental health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, leadership, career preparedness and networking. This series of programs, called Savvy 'Saders, will offer unique engagement opportunities within the four main pillars of personal development while also encouraging student-athletes to actively engage in their own life skill development and community engagement.

Campus engagement opportunities will include convocation attendance, taking part in career planning workshops, participation in opportunities within the Office of Multicultural Engagement as well as a renewed commitment to volunteerism.  

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