Building the Concordia Competitive Advantage
At Concordia University Texas, student-athletes are preparing for more than the next competition. They are developing the character, confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills to thrive in college, their careers, and their communities.
The RISE UP Student-Athlete Development Program supports student-athletes as they grow academically, athletically, spiritually, and personally. Through intentional mentorship, comprehensive resources, leadership development, and a Christ-centered community, the program equips student-athletes to lead with integrity and purpose on and off the field.
Developing the Whole Student-Athlete
RISE UP brings together experiences and resources from across Concordia Texas to support the mind, body, and spirit of every student-athlete. Programming is organized around six pillars that reflect what student-athletes need to succeed during college and beyond.
Christ-Centered, Relational Coaching and Ministry
Student-athletes are supported by coaches, mentors, faith leaders, and teammates who care about who they are beyond their athletic performance. Team faith leaders, character coaches, small-group discipleship, chapel, and the athletics chaplain provide opportunities to explore faith, purpose, and calling.
Character Development
Athletics offers daily opportunities to practice integrity, accountability, perseverance, and respect. Through team experiences, mentorship, and guided conversations, student-athletes strengthen the character needed to lead responsibly in competition, in the classroom, and throughout life.
Mental Preparation and Wellness
Performing at a high level requires more than physical preparation. RISE UP helps student-athletes develop healthy approaches to pressure, setbacks, relationships, and personal well-being. Students also have access to campus wellness resources when they need additional support.
Academic Excellence Support
Student-athletes receive support as they balance the expectations of their sport with the responsibilities of college. Academic resources, including the Writing and Speaking Centers, help students strengthen essential skills, remain focused on their goals, and make progress toward graduation.
Career Exploration
Student-athletes begin preparing for life after college well before their final season. Career exploration, professional networking, mentorship, and Athletes to Careers programming help students recognize how the discipline, teamwork, communication, and leadership developed through athletics can translate into the workplace.
Servant Leadership
Leadership at Concordia Texas is grounded in service to others. Through team responsibilities, campus involvement, and community service projects, student-athletes learn to use their strengths and influence to make a meaningful difference.
Learning That Extends Beyond Competition
RISE UP programming addresses topics that shape a student-athlete’s experience in college and influence the person they become. Monthly learning topics include:
- Identity
- Healthy relationships
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Managing anxiety and building resilience
These conversations may take place through team meetings, workshops, mentoring relationships, small groups, service activities, and other shared experiences.
Leadership Development at Every Stage
Concordia Texas students build their leadership abilities throughout their undergraduate experience. The University’s leadership curriculum provides a strong academic foundation that complements the practical leadership lessons student-athletes experience through competition and team membership.
LDR 1100: Life & Leadership
Students explore their strengths, begin developing self-leadership skills, and consider the connections among academic life, personal purpose, and calling.
LDR 2201: Leadership Theory
Students examine major leadership theories and models, gaining a deeper understanding of how effective leadership works in teams, organizations, and communities.
LDR 4101: Leadership, Career & Capstone
Students connect what they have learned about leadership with career preparation, vocational reflection, and their transition from college into their next chapter.
A Community of Support
Student-athletes are surrounded by people and programs committed to helping them succeed. RISE UP connects students with resources and experiences that include:
- Athletics coaches and team mentors
- Athletics chaplain
- Team faith leaders and character coaches
- Tornado Christian Athletes
- Small-group discipleship
- Weekly chapel services
- Wellness Center
- Writing and Speaking Centers
- Athletes to Careers, Inc.
- Career networking
- Team meetings and development activities
- Community service projects
Beyond Sports
Being a Concordia Texas student-athlete means being part of something bigger than a sport, season, or final score. It means learning to respond to challenges, support others, pursue excellence, and lead with purpose.
Through RISE UP, student-athletes develop qualities that will continue to serve them long after their playing careers end. They leave prepared to contribute to their workplaces, churches, families, and communities—and to carry the lessons of Concordia Texas into whatever comes next.
Take Your Next Step
Discover what it means to compete, learn, lead, and grow as a Concordia Texas student-athlete.
Complete a Recruit Questionnaire Explore Concordia Texas Athletics