In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) was created.

In 1994, after several years of development by the NCAA Foundation, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was launched to the NCAA membership. That summer, 46 NCAA institutions participated in the first orientation for administrators from around the country. Since then, approximately 40 member institutions and conference offices have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year.

Today, the NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs department provides life skills support in the areas of academics, athletics, personal development, career development and service through the distribution of accessible resources, strategic programming and customized programming.

NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs

• Professional Development- encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.
• Personal Development- support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, leadership, personal growth and decision-making skills.
• Service- engage the student-athlete in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.
• Academic Excellence- support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
• Athletic Excellence- build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.

Knights PRIDE started in 2007 as a means of providing an umbrella for life skills programming for UCF student-athletes. It serves all major areas of the NCAA's Student-Athlete Affairs with a commitment to Professional Development, Personal Development, Service, Academic Excellence, and Athletic Excellence. Knights PRIDE also oversees the three student-athlete organizations- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Care Team, and the Athletic Director's Captains Council. With the welfare for all student-athletes in mind the Knights PRIDE office aims to prepare student-athletes to make responsible decisions, graduate, and lead productive lives.