Walsh University wins NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for Cav Salute initiative
Walsh University Athletics has received the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for its Cav Salute initiative. The announcement was made on January 16 during the NCAA DII business session at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. This marks the first time a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference has won this national award.
The Cav Salute initiative recognized veterans, active duty service members, and local first responders. As part of the program, student-athletes wore military patches on their uniforms, raised funds for local veteran organizations, and hosted campus-wide events to show appreciation for those who serve. More than $1,600 was donated to groups 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 recognizes initiatives that reflect Division II’s emphasis on community engagement and leadership among student-athletes.
In previous years, Walsh University had been named a finalist for this award more than nine times from 2019 through 2026.
As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, over 750 Walsh student-athletes took part in activities including wearing commemorative uniform patches, organizing a Veterans Day event, hosting a Salute to Service football game, running fundraisers like a Home Run Derby and Veteran Suicide Awareness Push-Up Challenge, volunteering at Serving Area Military Center (SAM Center), raising $1,619 in donations along with goods given to veteran organizations.
For more details about this recognition visit https://www.ncaa.org/news/2026-01-16/division-ii/walsh-wins-2026-ncaa-division-ii-award-excellence-cav-salute.
