The NCAA Division II Connection Program builds stronger relationships between coaches, athletic trainers, and faculty athletics representatives (FARs) by empowering them as advocates for the value of Division II athletics. Originally launched in 2012 as the Coaches Connection, the program has evolved into a collaborative initiative that enhances communication, education, and engagement across key stakeholders, all with the goal of enriching the Division II student-athlete experience.
How the Program Works
The Division II Connection Program operates on a simple structure designed to keep key voices connected and heard.
- Each group has a Connector. A Connector, often a former coach, athletics administrator, or faculty member, leads the program for their area: Coaches, Athletic Trainers, or FARs.
- Monthly calls keep information flowing. Each Connector hosts about ten calls a year with representatives from every Division II conference. These calls address current issues, legislative proposals, and opportunities for feedback.
- Experts and partners join in. NCAA staff, sport committee chairs and national association leaders participate in calls to provide updates and address concerns.
- Information moves throughout the division. Connectors prepare call reports for commissioners, who share updates with athletics directors and senior woman administrators, while conference representatives distribute information to coaches, trainers, or FARs in their leagues.
- Beyond the calls, Connectors stay engaged. They encourage committee participation, build relationships with national associations, attend conventions, and connect at Division II championships to ensure voices are heard in person as well as on calls.
This model keeps NCAA Division II decision-makers closely linked to the people working directly with student-athletes every day.
Who's Involved
The program includes three dedicated connection groups, each with specific goals and engagement strategies:
Coaches
The Division II Connection Program empowers NCAA Division II coaches to be informed advocates for their teams and sports. Through consistent communication with NCAA governance, coaches gain a platform to share feedback, stay current on legislative changes, and strengthen the Division II student-athlete experience. Each Division II sport and National Collegiate sports have a different connection group, for a total of 20 coaches’ groups.
Coaches focus on:
- Understanding Division II governance, legislation, and priorities.
- Providing input on sport policies and rule changes.
- Building dialogue between coaches, administrators, and NCAA leadership.
Athletic Trainers
Athletic trainers are essential to student-athlete health and safety. The Division II Connection Program provides trainers with direct communication channels to NCAA leaders and commissioners, ensuring their expertise helps shape policies on wellness, injury prevention, and medical care for Division II athletes.
Athletic Trainers focus on:
- Enhancing communication between trainers, administrators and commissioners.
- Staying informed on legislative changes that affect student-athlete health and safety.
- Advocating for wellness and medical best practices across Division II athletics.
Faculty Athletics Representatives
Faculty Athletics Representatives bridge academics and athletics. Through the Division II Connection Program, FARs collaborate with NCAA staff and administrators to advocate for academic integrity, eligibility rules, and student-athlete well-being, ensuring Division II athletes thrive on and off the field.
Faculty Athletics Representatives focus on:
- Educating peers on Division II governance and priorities.
- Providing input on eligibility, transfer, and academic policy.
- Strengthening the academic voice in NCAA Division II decision-making.
Why it Matters
The Division II Connection Program ensures that the voices of coaches, athletic trainers, and faculty athletics representatives are included in shaping NCAA Division II policies and priorities. This direct line of communication helps create the best possible environment for student-athletes to succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
