CAV SALUTE INITIATIVE WINS NCAA DII AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Walsh University Athletics has won the NCAA DII Award of Excellence with the Cav Salute initiative. Announced Friday, Jan. 16, at the NCAA DII business session, at the NCAA Convention, Walsh became the first national winner in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
The Cav Salute initiative honored veterans, active duty members, and local first responders through wearing military patches on uniforms, raising money for local veteran organizations, and hosting multiple campus wide events; all showing honor and appreciation for those who have and still do protect our freedoms. Over $1,600 was donated to organizations such as the SAM Center and Honor Home.
"Walsh University is honored to receive the 2026 NCAA Division Award of Excellence for the Cav Salute initiative. This prestigious recognition celebrates the dedication of Walsh student-athletes and affirms the University's commitment to the core values embodied across NCAA Division II. This award represents the character, leadership, and service our student-athletes demonstrate both on and off the field", said Christina Paone, Vice President for Athletics. "This initiative allowed us to honor the selfless contributions of our nation's veterans through community engagement as well as building a culture of appreciation for the ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Walsh University extends its deep gratitude to the NCAA for this distinguished honor and proudly accepts the award on behalf of veterans everywhere - our nations heroes."
The NCAA DII Award of Excellence highlights initiatives that exemplify the Division II philosophy of community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Walsh has previously made their mark on this award, being a finalist over nine times, including eight straight spanning from 2019-2026.
Walsh, Great Midwest Athletic Conference
Cav Salute: Walsh honored veterans, active duty service members and local first responders in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The initiative included patches on student-athlete uniforms, a Veterans Day celebration and a Salute to Service football game. Over 750 student-athletes engaged in community engagement projects like a Home Run Derby fundraiser, a Veteran Suicide Awareness Push-Up Challenge and volunteering at the Serving Area Military Center. The initiative raised $1,619 for local veteran organizations, along with donated goods.
