Men’s Basketball Players Visit Henry Elementary and Speak to Young Students about Commitment

HENRY, Tenn. – To be a successful collegiate student-athlete you have to be committed.

Four Bethel University basketball players recently shared that message with a group of young people at Henry Elementary in Henry, Tennessee. 

Alonzo Rhodes, Jr, Ethan Turner, Jason Leek, and Isiah Darden shared their thoughts with a group Lil Mates at the school.  

Coach Jeff Britt said, "Our guys spoke to the group of Lil Mates at Henry Elementary about what it takes to be a college basketball player, the work that you have to put in as young player and the commitment to staying with the game. They also talked about the value of having good grades and working hard at practice." Coach Britt added, "Our guys showed off some dunks and we played dribble tag. It was a great time for the kids and our young men.  Ashley Thompson and Shelby Beechman work with the Lil Mates and we want to thank them for the invitation to visit." 

The players and staff worked in conjunction with the program and school's Champions of Character Initiative.  The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' (NAIA) Champions of Character provides training to ensure student-athletes know, do and value the right things in all areas of life. The five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership are put into play, accounted for, and tracked at all NAIA schools.

As a member of the NAIA, Bethel University participates and is committed to the Champions of Character program.