Life University Athletic Department Mission Statement
The vision and mission of the Life U intercollegiate athletic program, in support of the larger mission of Life University, is to foster a nurturing environment by providing opportunities for academic, social and athletic growth while instilling the confidence to achieve excellence in a community atmosphere.
Core Values:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Diversity
- Grit
- Honesty
- Service
Core Intent:
- To grow and develop each student-athlete’s skill and ability.
- To ensure that the student-athletes benefit from their educational programs and earn a Life University degree.
- To encourage the pursuit of continuous improvement in one’s character, behavior and personal success.
- To support the NAIA Champions of Character initiative and Live 5 core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership and Sportsmanship.
- To enhance the visibility and branding of Life U through athletic programs.
- To support the enrollment of students leading to increased exposure to the institution’s mission.
All students must abide by all the rules and policies outlined in the Life University Student Handbook, which outlines personal and academic integrity, the nondriscimination policy, standards of conduct, and student disciplinary procedures. In addition to the University rules and policies, there are additional expectations specific to student-athletes, which are outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
Intercollegiate Sports
Men’s Sports:
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Varsity Rugby
- Club Rugby
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Women’s Sports:
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Cross Country
- Lacrosse
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Co-ed Sports:
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
As a core value, the Life University Department of Athletics believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We strive to always provide equal opportunity to all student-athletes, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, citizenship or veteran status. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the University. We are also committed to following the NCAA’s 2011 guidance for the inclusion of transgender student-athletes, which can be viewed here:- https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Transgender_Handbook_2011_Final.pdf
Affiliations
Life University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Additionally, LIFE’s rugby programs are governed by USA Rugby.
Mid-South Conference
In 2014, Life University officially joined the Mid-South Conference (MSC). The MSC is a conference steeped in tradition and is comprised of like-minded institutions that share the same core values and vision for intercollegiate athletics.
Club & Intramural Sports
In addition to intercollegiate sports, students can participate in teams at the club and intramural levels. Club sports and Intramurals are under the direction of Student Affairs.
Facilities
Life U boasts an array of facilities that allow student-athletes to compete at the highest level. The main gym, also known as “The Eagles’ Nest,” houses the Life University basketball games and wrestling matches and accommodates 2,200 fans. The gym features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment and is also the location for Life University’s graduations and assemblies. The upper gym is dedicated to volleyball, with floor markings specially suited for both the men’s and women’s volleyball program.
Also on campus, Life U has two full-sized, multi-purpose fields. The lower field has recently been turfed and redone to create permanent grandstand seating, media booths, and congregation area. New lighting allows for evening practices and games. This new facility has been dedicated as the Lupo Family Field, in honor of longtime Life University trustee and supporter Dr. Joseph Lupo.
The upper field, which served as a practice venue during the 1996 Olympics, was resurfaced in in the fall of 2019. The field house offers coach’s offices, locker rooms, and athletic training rooms.
Life U also offers three miles of trails that wind through the wooded area of campus and connect two of Marietta’s parks and Life University’s own historic 19th Century Village
Quick Facts
Mascot: Running Eagles
Colors: Green / Black
Website: LifeRunningEagles.com
Director of Athletics: Jayme Pendergast
Sports Information Director: Billy Mangum
Faculty Athletics Representative: Gustavo Duran
Director of Student-Athlete Performance: Tommy Stucky
Director of Athletic Health Care: Chris Markie
Athlete Care
The Life U Athletic Care Department is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health, safety and welfare of the student-athletes by providing a safe environment and the best possible, and most expedient, health care. This mission is accomplished through six domains of athletic training as established by the National Athletic Training Association. These domains are:
- Injury Prevention
- Recognition and Evaluation of Injuries
- Management and Treatment of Injuries
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Organization and Administration
- Education and Counseling
The Sports Chiropractic area of the Athletic Care Department exists primarily to provide excellent chiropractic care to the student-athletes of Life University. Care may also be provided for members of the Life U community and for outside referrals. Secondary functions include providing practicum opportunities for Master of Sport Health Science - Chiropractic Sport Science students, and the generation of research relevant to Sports Chiropractic.
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