The University of Denver has again claimed the top spot among NCAA Division I non-football schools, earning its eighth Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup over the last nine years. The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) awards Directors’ Cups each year to the top schools in NCAA Divisions I–III and the top school in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as a separate cup for the top Division I non-football school. The Pioneers’ 52nd place national finish in the overall Division I standing is Denver’s fourth best finish in school history.
“This trophy continues to be one of the major goals our athletic department strives for every year, and I’m very proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff for accomplishing this crowning achievement once again,” says Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor for athletics, recreation and Ritchie Center operations. “Our tremendous student-athletes continue to perform at an extremely high level, both in the classroom and on their respective playing surfaces. The DU student-athletes, coaches and staff share this trophy and success with our loyal fans, generous donors and sponsors of DU athletics.”
A number of accomplishments helped the Pioneers in securing the Directors’ Cup, including men’s soccer earning its first-ever NCAA Division I second-round appearance and volleyball booking its second consecutive NCAA Tournament trip. Added to that is DU skiing’s 23rd national championship, hockey’s first trip to the Frozen Four since 2005, and DU’s gymnastics program making its 18th consecutive NCAA Regional appearance – which included a national floor title win by senior Nina McGee.