CLEVELAND, Ohio (August 27, 2026) – The Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) announced the 2025-26 recipients of the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards. The Academic Achievement Awards, in its 19th year, is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division II level in NCAA championship sponsored sports.

Overall, a total of 21,000-plus student-athletes were recognized from 179 institutions for the 2025-26 Academic Achievement Awards. Historically, 211,256 total student-athletes have been recognized since the inception of the awards program.

"In year 19, this program continues its dedication to celebrating the exceptional student-athletes who define excellence across our Division II landscape," said Jenn Bell, associate VP and director of athletics at Converse University and current D2 ADA President. "We're proud to recognize more than 21,000 deserving student-athletes from 179 institutions, reflecting the tremendous dedication within our division — not only in athletics, but in the classroom as well. This year's submissions, from both individuals and schools, serve as a testament to the Division II way. Thanks to the administrators who nominated these outstanding individuals, and much deserved congratulations to all this year's recipients."

Of those 21,000-plus student-athletes who earned recognition this year, 66 were UT Permian Basin student-athletes. It was the fourth-highest total from the Lone Star Conference, which was represented by 459 total student-athletes.

UTPB Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson said, "Having 66 of our student-athletes recognized with the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award is an outstanding accomplishment and a true reflection of the commitment they make both in the classroom and in competition. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, discipline and dedication to excellence. This recognition is a testament to the culture of academic achievement that our student-athletes, coaches and staff continue to build across our department."

To qualify for this honor, the student-athlete must:

• have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work at a two-year and/or four-year institution
• have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year

 
About D2 ADA: The D2 ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. For more information about the D2 ADA, please visit www.div2ada.com. The D2 ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 62nd year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.