KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Heart of America Athletic Conference is proud to announce Benedictine College Head Women's Basketball Coach Chad Folsom as the 2024-25 Heart Coach of Character Award recipient.
Presented annually, the Heart Coach of Character Award recognizes a head coach who exemplifies the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Honorees are selected not only for competitive success, but also for their intentional efforts to teach character through sport and demonstrate servant leadership within their communities.
Now in his 24th season at the helm of the Ravens' program, Folsom has built a legacy of excellence both on and off the court. Since taking over in 2001, he has led Benedictine to 11 NAIA National Tournament appearances, two Heart regular season titles, and three Heart Conference Tournament championships — including the 2024-25 title.
Coach Folsom has coached 14 NAIA All-Americans in his time at Benedictine as well as 83 All-Heart selections. He is Benedictine's all-time winningest basketball coach, is currently inside the top 10 of active NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches for career wins and is the winningest active Women's Basketball coach in the Heart. The program also earned the Heart's Women's Basketball Team Sportsmanship Award, presented by Musco, three times.
Under Folsom's leadership, the program has also earned a strong reputation for service. The Ravens regularly participate in a wide range of community outreach initiatives, including building beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, visiting and praying with the sisters at Mount St. Scholastica Convent in Atchison, Kan., and engaging with local schools through High Five Fridays and Trunk or Treat events. The team also hosts themed games to raise awareness for causes such as Heart Health and Breast Cancer Research.
In recognition of this honor, Coach Folsom will be nominated for the 2024-25 NAIA National Coach of Character Award, which will be announced on September 15.
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