NACDA Directors' Cup

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The NACDA Directors' Cup is an annual award presented by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) to recognize the colleges and universities in the United States with the most outstanding overall athletic programs. First awarded in 1993, the Directors' Cup honors institutions across all divisions (NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA) that achieve success in collegiate sports.

History

The NACDA Directors' Cup was established in 1993 to promote and celebrate collegiate athletic success across all sports and divisions. The award was initially sponsored by Sears and was known as the Sears Directors' Cup. Over the years, the sponsorship and name of the cup have changed, reflecting new partnerships, but the core objective of recognizing athletic excellence has remained constant.

Criteria

The awarding of the NACDA Directors' Cup is based on a points system. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 20 sports—10 men's and 10 women's. The selection of sports and the distribution of points are managed to ensure a balanced representation of both team and individual sports, across all seasons (fall, winter, and spring).

Divisions

The Directors' Cup is unique in that it spans multiple divisions of collegiate athletics:

• NCAA Division I
• NCAA Division II
• NCAA Division III
• NAIA

Each division has its own set of standings and awards, allowing institutions of similar sizes and resources to compete against each other.

Impact

The NACDA Directors' Cup has become a prestigious award in collegiate sports, symbolizing a comprehensive commitment to athletic excellence. Winning the Directors' Cup is a coveted achievement that brings recognition not only to the athletic programs but also to the institutions as a whole. It highlights the importance of well-rounded athletic programs and supports the development of sports at the collegiate level.

Notable Winners

Over the years, several institutions have distinguished themselves by consistently performing well and winning the Directors' Cup. These include:

• Stanford University in NCAA Division I
• Grand Valley State University in NCAA Division II
• Williams College in NCAA Division III
• University of California, Davis before moving to NCAA Division I

See Also

• List of NCAA schools with the most NCAA Division I championships
• College athletics
• National Collegiate Athletic Association