Newport News, Va. -- University of Lynchburg Director of Athletics Jon Waters is honored as a member of the 2026 Christopher Newport University's Hall of Fame class, recognizing his contributions as a student-athlete, coach, and athletics administrator.

Now in his 12th year leading Lynchburg athletics, Waters has helped the Hornets build upon their championship tradition while expanding athletic opportunities and student-athlete support. His induction honors a Christopher Newport career that included success on the basketball court and a significant role in the development of the university's athletic department.

"I've been blessed throughout  my professional career to be associated with two incredible institutions in CNU and Lynchburg," said Waters. "Both believe deeply in the transformational impact that athletics can have on students when coupled with focussed, high-quality academic programs."

Waters helped shape a transformational period for Christopher Newport athletics, playing a significant role in the development and construction of its facilities. His responsibilities spanned budget coordination, facilities and operations, human resources, sport supervision, NCAA postseason bids, and tournament management.

Working closely with Christopher Newport's development staff, Waters helped increase revenue through sponsorships, licensing, and facility rentals. He also supported new media initiatives, including improvements to the quality and expansion of live streaming coverage. His work reached virtually every program within the athletics department.

"Jon embodies the very best of collegiate athletics," said President Sally Selden. "His induction into the Christopher Newport Hall of Fame recognizes a legacy of excellence that continues here at Lynchburg, where his leadership has expanded opportunities and strengthened our championship culture. This honor is richly deserved, and we are fortunate to have Jon leading our athletic program."

Waters began his Christopher Newport career as a member of the men's basketball team. He played on the 1990-91 squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.

Following his playing career, Waters spent 19 seasons as an assistant coach alongside C.J. Woollum. The Captains compiled a 379-145 record during that span. Across his time as a player and coach, Waters participated in 13 NCAA Tournaments, including five Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance.

Waters also served as interim head women's basketball coach during the 2011-12 season, guiding Christopher Newport to a 22-6 record and a regular-season conference championship.
His administrative leadership included serving as senior associate director of athletics from 2010-14 and interim director of athletics during the 2012-13 academic year.

Since arriving at Lynchburg in 2014, Waters has overseen two NCAA Division III national championships - women's soccer in 2014 and baseball in 2023 - along with four NCEA single-discipline national championships, 69 ODAC championships, and 62 team NCAA Tournament appearances.

During his tenure, Hornet student-athletes have earned 130 All-American honors, 19 CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-America awards, more than 14 ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year accolades, and three NCAA postgraduate scholarships.

Waters has spearheaded the addition of women's golf, men's and women's swimming, women's beach volleyball, and men's wrestling. He also guided the equestrian program's expansion to National Collegiate Equestrian Association membership. Additionally, under his leadership, Lynchburg's annual athletics fundraising has more than quadrupled.

The Hall of Fame induction recognizes Waters' lasting impact on Christopher Newport, from his contributions on the basketball court and sidelines to his role in developing the facilities and operations that supported the Captains' success. The University of Lynchburg is incredibly fortunate to have Waters as the guiding force for the athletic department and have reached impeccable heights in a multitude of ways since he became the Director of Athletics in 2014.

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