Cleveland, Ohio -- For the third consecutive year, the University of Lynchburg athletic department placed 35th in the final standings of the 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup, announced by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. 

"Witnessing the high-level success of our student-athletes and coaches is truly rewarding," said Athletic Director Jon Waters. "This year was filled with unforgettable moments for the Lynchburg community. It perfectly illustrates the daily dedication and drive for excellence shared by our entire staff."

Lynchburg's athletic department placed in the top-35 of over 400 colleges and universities at the NCAA Division III level for the third consecutive year. The Hornets saw remarkable success across all programs throughout the year, culminating into a national championship equestrian team, an individual national champion in Lamont Victoria for the Indoor Track & Field 60-meter dash, eight national tournament appearances, and six conference championship titles.

RELATED: Lynchburg Ranks Inside Top-20 In Learfield Directors' Cup Standings

Claiming the No. 1 spot in the 2025-26 final overall rankings for division III was Washington-St. Louis with 1,266.50 points. Tufts earned a close second with 1,252.50 points, while Johns Hopkins slotted in third with 1,180.00 points. Lynchburg scored 493.50 points across the fall, winter, and spring seasons to place 35th. Across the ODAC, Washington and Lee and Randolph-Macon were the only two programs to rank inside the top-100 as the Generals placed 12th and the Yellow Jackets placed 61st. Lynchburg is one of only 22 schools to rank in the top 35 in each of the last 3 years.

Points in the Learfield Directors' Cup are awarded based on each institution's finish in NCAA Championships. Overall, 18 NCAA-sponsored sports are counted in the final DIII standings, four of which must be men's and women's soccer and men's and women's basketball. The next highest sports scored for each institution - with a maximum of 14 total - are used in the standings.

Following incredible fall and winter seasons, the spring squads produced immense success. The baseball and men's lacrosse teams both hosted multiple games in the NCAA postseason. 

The baseball team won its fourth consecutive NCAA Regional title and hosted the NCAA Super Regional round for the second straight year. The men's lacrosse team welcomed three teams for the second and third rounds of the NCAA tournament as the Hornets advanced to the third round for the fourth consecutive season.

Men's golfer Alan Van Asch earned an individual bid to the NCAA Championships and delivered an impressive performance, finishing tied for fifth overall. In men's and women's track and field, the Hornets had six student-athletes earn All-American honors as the men's team placed 13th as a group.

Although not counted towards the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, the Lynchburg equestrian team surged to its fourth NCEA National Championship in the last five years. 

To view the complete standings of the 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup for Division III, click here.

About Learfield: Learfield is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. Learfield services include licensing and collegiate sports properties' multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA's acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.

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