Teresa Clark
Cedarville University – Cedarville, Ohio
2006 NAIA Coach of Character Award
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

Teresa is not only known for her success on the volleyball court – but for the character, values, and integrity she instills in the student-athletes she coaches. Teresa, who recently stepped down after coaching at Cedarville University for the past 10 years, is the recipient of the 2006 NAIA Coach of Character Award. A key component to Teresa’s teaching methods is the “honor call.” If an official misses a touch by one of the Cedarville volleyball players, the player will make the “honor call” and tell the official that she touched the ball, regardless of the ramifications for the match. Her teams are known for having great sportsmanship – the 2005 unit was presented the NAIA's
first Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for demonstrating exceptional character on and off the court and the 2004 squad was presented the NAIA National Tournament Team Sportsmanship Award. At the same time, she has never had a losing season as a coach and her .691 career winning percentage is the best in the 42-year history of the school’s volleyball program . She guided CU to 322 victories, two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and eight National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament appearances, including the 2005 national championship. Teresa has made a sizeable difference on the Cedarville University campus. She has organized several mission trips, introducing CU athletes to a different part of the world, new opportunities and new challenges. The Lady Jackets started the 2005 season on a two-week mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. The team worked together to distribute food to needy families, spent time at orphanages and schools, sang in town squares, and played matches against various club teams. Teresa truly is a “Coach of Character.”