The purpose of this program is to enhance student-athlete engagement, to give them the tools and support needed to successfully advance in their education and sport, and to support interaction between athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and support programs. Our mission is to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education.

 

       The program supports student-athlete development and excellence in five areas: Academics, Athletics, Personal Development, Career Development, and Community Service. The goals of the program are: serving the high-risk students shown to be low in course completion rates, decreasing dropout rates, and increasing the percentage of student-athletes’ retention, completion, and transfer rates. Some strategies of the program include: mentors, SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Council), grade checks/progress reports, study hall, tutoring assistance, an academic counselor, guest speakers and workshops with various campus departments, a student handbook and website for CHAMPS.

In 2004, Coach Trujillo became an Assistant Speed, Strength, and Conditioning Coach at the University of Southern California. She was in charge of Women’s Basketball, Soccer, and Golf; as well as assisting with all aspects of Football. While training at USC, the Football team won the National Championship, two athletes won the Heisman award, the basketball team went to the NCAA tournament, athletes earned All-American awards, and she experienced the techniques and training methods the athletes used to raise their level of performance and turn their athletic dreams into reality. She trained under Coach Chris Carlisle, who has won many National Championships at USC and Tennessee. Read more