Recognizing student-athletes who lead beyond the field
Community engagement is core to the Division II philosophy. The Award of Excellence honors institutions and conferences whose student-athletes turn that philosophy into action — through service, leadership, education, and impact on campus and in the communities around them.
Eligibility and how to apply
Who’s eligible
- Lead by a Division II member institution or conference
- Showcase student-athlete leadership and service to campus or local community
- Highlight initiatives such as leadership development, educational programming, military appreciation, Make-A-Wish® or Team IMPACT®
- Take place within the stated nomination window
- Be from an active Division II member institution or conference
How to apply
Institutions and conferences submit applications through the NCAA Program Hub during the open application window.
What your application must include
- An overview of the activity or event, including theme and how it was used
- A description of impact on campus and/or in the community
- Up to 10 still photos or links to videos (max three minutes each)
- Related fliers, promotional materials and/or media coverage (print or online)
- A single combined PDF that includes all components
How recipients are selected
An NCAA committee evaluates every nomination against four criteria.
Demonstrates the values of balance, service and engagement.
Clear, measurable benefit for the campus and local community.
SAAC involvement and athlete-driven planning and execution.
Creativity, collaboration and potential for continued impact.
A meaningful investment in community impact
Prize money funds future SAAC initiatives and community engagement events at the recognized institutions.
Winner
Runner-up
Third place
Per conference honoree
Recognizing this year’s recipients
Walsh University earned the 2026 Division II Award of Excellence, with Johnson C. Smith University as runner-up and the University of South Carolina Aiken in third place. They were recognized at the NCAA Convention in National Harbor, MD.
Important dates
Applications open: September 3, 2025
Applications close: November 15, 2025
Honorees Recognized:
January 13-16, 2026
NCAA Convention, National Harbor, MD
Resources and past honorees
Find the official application resources or browse every institution that has earned the Award of Excellence.
Reach out for questions about the Award of Excellence, eligibility or the application process.