Be the Change: Athletics

Photo: Fans Embracing the values of sportsmanship has benefits that extend far beyond the playing field. From student-athletes who balance academic scholarship with athletic demands, to faculty who embody the principles of honor and fair play, to alumni who exemplify the drive to excel, Madison's people and programs seek to personify sportsmanship. And with sportsmanship has come the desire to go beyond self, beyond team, to reach out to the world to make a difference. Balancing competition with respect, victory with honor and contest with scholarship, the character-building power of athletic performance has been channeled into a force for positive change.

The Stories ...

Happy trails

Anitra Kass Alumna Anitra 'Nitro' Kass ('00, '02M) loves to hike. She loves it so much that she unintentionally walked the Triple Crown. Then, she turned her hobby into an opportunity to share with others. Read More

Improving lives

Morrison-Bruce Center promotes physical activity for girls and women JMU's Morrison-Bruce Center works to improve women's lives through physical activity, developing and providing activities for girls and women, and enhancing their knowledge of health issues. Read More

The People ...

Charles Haley

Charles Haley ('87)

NFL All-Pro and Five-Time Super Bowl Champion

In Charles Haley's case, changing the world means being one of a kind. He is the first and only NFL player to be a member of five Super Bowl championship teams. One of the all-time great NFL defenders, Haley was a vital force ... Read More

Janet Phillips

Janet Phillips ('88)

Golf professional and community leader

Janet Phillips' passion for the game of golf began when she was just 8 years old and eventually led her to JMU, where she played on the women's golf team while earning a degree in sports management. Now co-owner of the ... Read More

Be the Change! sectors ...

Be the Change
in Athletics

Judith Flohr
Kinesiology professor

Charles Haley ('87)
NFL All-Pro and Five-Time Super Bowl Champion

Kevin Knight ('99)
Firefigher, former USL Richmond Kickers defender

Challace McMillin
Madison College's First NCAA Football Coach, Kinesiology Professor

Matt Miller ('98)
Founder of C Different Foundation

Janet Phillips ('88)
Golf professional and community leader

Robert and Frances Plecker
JMU benefactors

James Robinson, Director
Office of Equal Opportunity and JMU sports fan

W. Raymond "Buddy" Showalter Jr. ('50) (1928-2007)
Team player and lead donor

Capt. Jeff Soule ('02)
Army Ranger, cyclist

Bruce Thayer ('84)
Coach and volunteer