Recognizing leadership that builds inclusion in every corner of Division III
The Division III LGBTQ of the Year Award Program honors the student-athletes, administrators, coaches, staff, institutions and conferences who advance LGBTQ inclusion across college athletics. Three annual awards celebrate academic achievement, athletic excellence, service, leadership, and the proactive work of building cultures where every Division III community member belongs.
The three awards
Each award honors a different role in the inclusion ecosystem — students, the people who support them, and the institutions that hold the culture.
Academic, athletic, and leadership excellence.
Service, leadership and promotion of inclusion.
Proactive work to build inclusive culture.
Important dates
The award cycle runs annually. Nominations open early in the calendar year, recipients are selected mid-summer, and winners are announced the following January alongside NCAA Convention coverage.
Nominations open: February 1
Nominations close: June 5
Recipients selected: July
Recipients announced: January
Know someone who’s leading inclusion in Division III? Nominate them.
Who can nominate
Conference commissioners
Campus chief diversity officers
Athletics directors
Senior Woman Administrators
Faculty Athletics Representatives
Head coaches
Honorees and resources
Browse every past recipient in the Honoree Database, or download the official award descriptions and sample applications to prepare a strong nomination.
Recognition starts with a nomination