Walsh earns 2026 Division II Award of Excellence

Walsh has earned the 2026 Division II Award of Excellence for the university's community engagement efforts through its Cav Salute programming.

The winner of the award is selected annually by the national Division II Student-Athlete Committee based on initiatives from the previous year that embody the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Walsh will receive $3,000 to use toward future community engagement efforts. Johnson C. Smith, which placed second, and the University of South Carolina Aiken, which placed third, will be awarded $1,750 and $1,500, respectively. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.

Walsh's Cav Salute is a comprehensive athletics and community initiative, in partnership with the office of veterans affairs on campus, that seeks to honor veterans and service members of all classes, including active duty members and local first responders.

"Walsh is humbled to receive the 2026 Division II Award of Excellence for the Cav Salute honoring America's veterans," said Christina Paone, vice president for athletics and athletics director at Walsh. "This recognition celebrates the dedication of our scholar- athletes and the values we strive to uphold every day — at Walsh and across the NCAA. We remain committed to developing men and women of character who make a positive impact on and off the field, as do our veterans, and we are grateful to the NCAA for this incredible honor and accept it on behalf of America's silent heroes."

Walsh honored local veterans and community service members visually through a patch on student-athletes' equipment bags or uniforms across all 25 sports. These patches served as more than just symbols, sparking conversations and personal connections.

"Being asked about my patch in competition and being able to share what the Cav Salute represents while playing the sport I love brings a strong sense of pride," said Sophia Rosa, senior golfer and former president of the campus SAAC.

Honorees and student-athletes met face-to-face during a special Veterans Day celebration, deepening bonds beyond the playing field. Veterans and service members were also honored through in-game mentions at all Walsh home games and were able to attend the Cavaliers' Salute to Service football game. Attendees received free admission, a T-shirt and lunch and were able to network with other veterans and service members.

Community engagement in support of Cav Salute extended beyond game day for Walsh. More than 750 student-athletes participated in engagement programs, highlighted by a Patriot Day Home Run Derby. Hosted by baseball and softball student-athletes, the derby raised money and collected nonperishable goods for Honor Home, a transitional housing program for veterans.

The Cavaliers also hosted a Veteran Suicide Awareness Push-Up Challenge, drawing over 600 participants to spotlight mental health struggles among service members. Additional volunteer efforts at the Serving Area Military Center contributed to over 200 hours supporting local veterans.

Walsh's fundraising efforts amplified the impact of Cav Salute, generating $1,619 in total cash donations, along with the donation of goods, for local organizations.

Through Cav Salute, Walsh student-athletes transformed gratitude into action, creating lasting relationships, fostering empathy and instilling a culture of engagement that honors those who protect our freedoms and serve our communities.

Johnson C. Smith earned second place for its department wide commitment to literacy. Through The Smitty Project, in partnership with the James B. Duke Memorial Library, student-athletes contributed more than 2,000 engagement hours to programs designed to strengthen early literacy and provide college exposure for K-8 students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

"A highlight for me doing these events with young kids is those in-between moments," said Kailyn Hitch, volleyball student-athlete, SAAC representative and community service co-chair. "When you hear them say, 'You're so inspiring,' or 'I can't wait to grow up and go to college and further my education,' it's moments like that where it's a reminder that you're actually doing something good."

Key initiatives included the Smitty & Friends CMS AVID Day, mentorship and literacy activities, and the Smitty & Friends Scholastic Book Fair, which provided free books and college-readiness activities for more than 400 third graders and their families during Homecoming Week. Additionally, the Smitty Smart Hub Tutoring Collaboration launched virtual literacy support for kindergarten and first-grade students using a research-based model.

The University of South Carolina Aiken garnered third place for its inclusive community engagement event "A Night in Wonderland." Organized by the athletics department and SAAC, the semiformal prom celebrated students from the USC Aiken LIFE Program, which is designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and their guests.

"Each attendee got to go down the red carpet, get their picture taken and were cheered on by all the student-athletes that were there," said Jaclin Poole, senior woman administrator and head softball coach. "When the event all came together and that moment went smoothly, I thought that we did something really special. I'm glad we were able to do it. That night felt like one they will remember for a really long time."

The event featured 31 participants from the program paired with student-athletes for the evening. The prom was supported by a total of 133 student-athletes, 30 athletics staff members and a number of community volunteers. USC Aiken's Convocation Gym transformed into a ballroom with music, games, crafts and karaoke, with added sensory and respite rooms to ensure comfort and accessibility.

Click here to read article