A Place Where Athletics and Glorifying God Come Together
Thank you for your interest in Belmont Abbey College Athletics! The opportunity to become a Crusader athlete, while gaining a Catholic, liberal arts education at the Abbey, will help lead you to a “Home Run” of success.
To be a Crusader Student-Athlete
The Belmont Abbey College Department of Athletics values each college athlete as student first and athlete second, and in so doing, strives to create exceptional students so that in all things God may be glorified. In this endeavor, the athletic department is guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning.
While training our athletes to become superior competitors, the Department believes in adhering to the physical and emotional needs of student-athletes in order to maintain their health and well-being. Coaches, faculty and staff continuously encourage learning and academic excellence while strengthening the athlete’s talents and performance.
The Department values the principles of Reclaim the Game and supports athletes in developing virtue, sportsmanship, honesty and integrity.
All students are highly valued and regarded as significant participants in diversifying, expanding and developing our college as well as our athletic program. The Athletic Department will ensure the equal treatment of all student-athletes.
Sport at the Service of the Spirit
“Sport, properly directed, develops character, makes a man courageous, a generous loser, and a gracious victor; it refines the senses, gives intellectual penetration, and steels the will to endurance. It is not merely a physical development then. Sport, rightly understood, is an occupation of the whole man, and while perfecting the body as an instrument of the mind, it also makes the mind itself a more refined instrument for the search and communication of truth and helps man to achieve that end to which all others must be subservient, the service and praise of his Creator.”
– Pope Pius XII on July 29, 1945
The Christian Vision of Sports
Dr. Bill Thierfelder
Our Alma Mater
(To the tune of Ode to Joy)
- Gather we from far flung places
Loyal in the Bond we share;
Friends of Abbey ever splendorous
Gallant spirits proudly bear.
Voices raised on high are singing
Bells are chiming to proclaim
Alma Mater! Belmont Abbey!
Sacred do we hold your name. - Dear to us the Vast expanse
Of skies that arch your crimson sod;
Dear your mighty spire lifted
Like our hearts to honor God
Let your truth shine forth unfailing.
Let all know your beauty rare.
Hail! O Abbey, Alma Mater
Hear your praises fill the air
Our Alma Mater is sung to close all our of Home athletic events here at The Abbey!
Catholic Athletes for Christ
- To develop and promote solid Catholic role models
- To work with the Church leadership and Catholic organizations
- To minister to Catholic athletes, coaches, and staff
- To reverse the moral crisis in sports today
- To create a network of Catholic athletes, coaches, and staff
- To organize sports conferences, pilgrimages, retreats, and days of reflection
“I have competed well;
I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Tim 4:7
Varsity Catholic
Core Values
Community, Faithfulness, and Service.
Mission
To pursue the imperishable crown, introduce the hearts and minds of student-athletes to our Lord and His Church, and live completely as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Vision
To become the premier outreach for collegiate athletes, known for developing young men and women into inspirational leaders on their campus and across the globe.
What We Do
With a desire to serve the formative needs of student-athletes, we seek to have a consistent presence, always wanting to be available for them. We offer them an opportunity to learn how to live as Christian athletes on the college campus.
- In Bible studies, they have a chance to encourage teammates and fellow athletes while being instructed in teachings consistent with the Catholic Church.
- In one-on-one coaching/mentoring, we give them an opportunity to go deeper in their walk with Christ and help them become leaders among their peers (c.f. 2Tim 2:2).
- Seeking to impact the world, we host Mission Camps. These provide high caliber instruction in sport for impoverished youth, while also proclaiming our faith through our witness and instruction. (Visit www.focusmissions.org for updates)
- Seeking to impact the local community, we host service events with the athletes at soup kitchens, homes for the elderly, hospitals and schools.
Belmont Abbey & The Messick Award
Belmont Abbey College has claimed the annual Messick Award for demonstrating the best overall sportsmanship throughout the conference during the 2012-13 academic year and a league-high seven teams were recognized for having displayed the best sportsmanship in their respective disciplines. Belmont Abbey was crowned the individual sport winners in Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Baseball, Women’s Golf, Men’s Volleyball, Men’s Track and Field and Women’s Track and Field.
“The goal for Belmont Abbey College Athletics is to achieve virtue and excellence in all arenas of competition,” Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said. “Being named the Messick Sportsmanship Award winner for the second year in a row by our fellow Conference Carolinas members is a testament to that commitment and to Dr. Thierfelder’s vision. I would like to thank all our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff for their contributions as well as applaud each and every one of the member institutions that comprise Conference Carolinas and our Conference Office for their collective emphasis of sportsmanship.”
The overall and individual sports awards reflect the vision of Belmont Abbey College President Dr. William Thierfielder, who stresses sport as a means of developing virtue and fair play. The sport-specific Sportsmanship Awards are determined using a voting process implemented by Athletics Directors, which calls for a coach and student-athlete representative to vote together and evaluate the sportsmanship exhibited by conference opponents’ players, coaches and fans during the regular season. After votes have been submitted, the conference office averages the results and the institution with the highest average for each conference sport is awarded the respective Sportsmanship Award. At the conclusion of the academic year, the institution that has the highest combined average among all conference-sponsored sports is awarded with the Messick Award, which is the highest sportsmanship honor within the conference. As an NCAA Division II member, Conference Carolinas prides itself on creating a positive game environment through sportsmanship to ensure a positive experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
Recruit Central
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Crusader. Belmont Abbey College has a long and storied athletic tradition. We expect the best of our student-athletes and hope you find all that you need in your quest to become a Crusader!
Testimonials
Brianna Mosby ’15
Senior, Business Management
and Accounting Major
Involved in: Women’s Track & Cross Country, Student Government Association
“I love the Abbey because here I have found a balance between being able to compete, study, work, and develop relationships all while keeping the faith aspect of my life.”
Kendall Ratliff ’17
Junior, Business Major
Involved in: Men’s Basketball Team
“Belmont Abbey College really pushes me not just to be a good athlete, but a good person too. The best thing about the Abbey is the relationships.”
Cierra Skyers ’16
Senior, Education Major
Involved in: Women’s Soccer Team, Community Service
“Belmont Abbey has changed me. I’ve learned how to be a better person, and how I can help the world after I graduate.”
FAQ
WOMEN: Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Cycling, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, and Triathalon