Brookdale Community College Jersey Blues Earn 8th NJCAA Region XIX Champions of Character Award

Brookdale Community College is proud to announce that its student-athletes have been awarded their 8th National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XIX Champions of Character Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the Jersey Blues’ dedication to excellence on and off the field, reflecting the values that make the Brookdale community proud.

Presented annually, this award honors institutions that exemplify outstanding character development among student-athletes and coaches. It celebrates the true spirit of competition by upholding the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship. Brookdale’s Jersey Blues have once again demonstrated their commitment to these principles through their exceptional involvement in the community.

Throughout the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, the Jersey Blues participated in various community service initiatives that highlighted their dedication to making a positive impact:

• Men’s and Women’s Soccer: Partnering with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Athletics Office, the teams raised awareness for ovarian cancer and contributed over $1,000 to the Brookdale Kicks For A Cure campaign. Additionally, the women’s soccer team volunteered at the Performing Arts Center’s annual Haunted Theater and collaborated with Ocean County College soccer for breast cancer awareness through their Kick To A Cure campaign.
• Cheer Squad: The cheer team energized the community by volunteering at the Involvement Fair, promoting school spirit and engagement.
• Men’s Cross-Country: The team participated in the Asbury Park Santa Run to support Lunch Break in Red Bank and volunteered at both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 Open Houses, welcoming prospective students to Brookdale.
• Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC): In collaboration with Brookdale’s intercollegiate teams, SAAC led multiple initiatives, including a significant donation of food to the RWJBarnabas Health Nutrition Hub at the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center and a clothing drive for the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission. SAAC also honored women student-athletes by hosting a brunch for National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).

“The Champions of Character Award is a testament to the character and integrity that our student-athletes and coaches demonstrate every day,” said Katelyn Amundson, director of Athletics & Recreation at Brookdale Community College. “Our Jersey Blues not only strive for success in their sports but also in contributing positively to our community. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the lasting impact they make.” 

Brookdale Community College remains committed to fostering an environment where student-athletes can grow as competitors and as leaders and role models within their community. The Jersey Blues’ continued recognition through the NJCAA Region XIX Champions of Character Award underscores this commitment.

For more information about Brookdale Community College Athletics and the Champions of Character Award, please visit the Brookdale Athletics Website.