CLEVELAND – The National Association of Division III Athletics Administrators (NADIIIAA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Community Service Awards and Athletics Administrator Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to campus and community engagement across Division III institutions.
"These awards celebrate the incredible impact Division III programs and administrators have on their campuses and communities," said Laura Mooney, NADIIIAA President and Assistant Dean of Athletics & Recreation at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). "NADIIIAA is proud to honor these institutions and individuals for their commitment to service and leadership."
Award recipients will be formally recognized during the NADIIIAA reception at the NCAA Convention in Washington D.C. on Thursday, January 15, at 4:30 p.m. EST. For more information on NADIIIAA and its awards programs, click here.
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| NADIIIAA Community Service Award |
| The NADIIIAA Community Service Awards honor member institutions for projects that exemplify the Division III philosophy of service and citizenship. |
| One-Time Project Category Winner: Western Connecticut State University |
 On September 20, the WestConn community came together for a Day of Service, demonstrating teamwork, compassion, and commitment to the Greater Danbury area. Nearly 70 volunteer sites welcomed representatives from all 21 Wolves' varsity teams (550 student-athletes), who dedicated their time to meaningful projects that strengthened local connections. Volunteers participated in activities such as cleaning parking garages, assisting teachers and students in local schools, supporting food pantries, and contributing to projects at the fire department and a community museum. Read More
One-Time Project Category Runner-Up: University of Chicago | Read More
One-Time Project Category Third Place: Aurora University | Read More
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| Special Olympics Activity Category Winner: Dickinson College |
 Dickinson Athletics partnered with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania to bring the event to local children in the greater Carlisle area. Five local schools and over 500 athletes came out to Biddle Field for a morning full of fun and fierce competition. The memories and friendships formed at the event will last a lifetime for both the Dickinson and Special Olympic athletes. Read More
Special Olympics Activity Category Runner-Up: UMass Boston | Read More
Special Olympics Activity Category Third Place: SUNY Brockport | Read More
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| Community Partnerships Category Winner: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor |
 Touchdowns is an annual community celebration honoring individuals with special needs. This year at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, participants enjoyed spirit stations, face painting, sign-making, photo booths, and tailgate games. Eight athletics teams—softball, football, volleyball, beach volleyball, baseball, acrobatics and tumbling, women's basketball, and men's golf—helped host the event by leading activities and serving as buddies. Participants joined cheerleaders and dancers on the field during the game, and at halftime, each had the chance to score a "touchdown" with athlete support. To ensure everyone felt included, over 50 gift packs were mailed to those unable to attend, extending the celebration beyond the stadium. Read More
Community Partnerships Category Runner-Up: Marymount University | Read More
Community Partnerships Category Third Place: SUNY Plattsburgh | Read More
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| NADIIIAA Athletics Administrator Award |
| The following award recipients will receive a $1,000 professional development grant. |
| Emerging Athletics Administrator: Lauren Foote, Sarah Lawrence College |
 Lauren Foote was named Head Athletic Trainer for Sarah Lawrence College in January 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Duquesne University in May 2021, completing internships at Duquesne University, La Roche University, North Hills High School, and Fox Chapel Area High School.
Foote earned a Master of Sports Leadership Studies from Northeastern University in May 2023, concentrating in Professional Sports Administration and Collegiate Sports Administration. During her graduate studies, she completed a Sports Marketing and Management internship with Sports International Football Camps.
Foote was published in the Journal of Interprofessional Care for her work on "Speech-Language Pathologist's Perspectives of Interprofessional Collaboration" in March 2022. |
| Transitioning Athletics Administrator: Richard Warren, Hanover College |
 Richard Warren joined Hanover College with extensive experience in leadership, development, event planning, and fundraising. He most recently served as athletics director at Knox High School in Indiana, where he strengthened athletics programs and community engagement, and played a key role in establishing a partnership with Bethel University.
His background also includes nearly two decades of coaching experience at NCAA and NAIA institutions, most recently as assistant women's basketball coach at Goshen College.
Warren earned a Bachelor of Arts from Bethel University and a Master of Science in Sport Management from Indiana State University.
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| About NADIIIAA: NADIIIAA athletics administrators from over 350 institutions and conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. The Association encourages the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational principles and the Division III philosophy. NADIIIAA is administered by NACDA, which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA, the 19 professional associations and/or three foundations it manages, please visit www.nacda.com. |
