Connecticut College Shines in 2024-2025 Learfield Directors’ Cup Rankings
Connecticut College has made waves in collegiate athletics, finishing the 2024-2025 season with a remarkable 63rd place out of 327 eligible institutions in the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup Division III standings. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the Camels, who secured their highest point total ever at 318.75, placing them firmly among the top 20% of NCAA Division III programs.
Celebrating Athletic Excellence
The Directors’ Cup is awarded annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), honoring colleges and universities that excel in NCAA Championships. Connecticut College’s impressive performance across multiple sports is a testament to the institution’s commitment to athletic excellence.
Key Contributors to the Success
Men’s Soccer: A Stellar Season
The Men’s Soccer team has once again made headlines. After clinching the NCAA title in 2023, they returned to the Final Four in 2024, showcasing an intense competitive spirit. The Camels triumphed over Washington and Lee with a thrilling 1-0 victory in the semifinals. They faced off against Amherst in the finals, where they ultimately fought valiantly, drawing 1-1 before conceding the match 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Track and Field: Outperforming Expectations
The Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field teams also made significant contributions, combining for a fantastic 60 points. The women excelled with a 17th-place finish, thanks in part to Grace McDonough ’26, who finished second in the 5000m and third in the 1500m, and Blessing Kieh ’28, who placed ninth in the 100m. Meanwhile, the men’s team achieved a commendable 67th-place finish, highlighted by Matt Scardigno ’25 finishing seventh in the 5000m.
The women’s track team earned the eighth spot among Division III institutions according to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the sport.
Indoor Achievements and More
Connecticut College showed its prowess yet again in indoor competitions, finishing 15th in Women’s Indoor Track and Field. McDonough dominated the track, securing third place in the mile, and contributed to the teams ranking with the distance medley relay, which also landed in third place.
Not to be outdone, the Men’s Swimming and Diving team finished 16th, led by star swimmer Justin Finkel ’25, who defended his titles in both the 500 free and the 200 fly, earning him the coveted Swimmer of the Year award for the second consecutive time.
Cross-Country Performance
In the fall, the Women’s Cross Country team proudly finished 23rd, with McDonough finishing 53rd, showcasing her consistent performance throughout the year.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
The Camels have not only surpassed their previous highest point total of 279.5 (65th place) from the 2023-2022 season, but they have also set a benchmark for future success. This achievement reflects the school’s dedication to fostering athletic talent and creating a culture of excellence.
Conclusion
As Connecticut College wraps up an impressive athletic campaign, the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings illustrate the determination and skill of its student-athletes. The future is bright for the Camels as they continue to strive for excellence across all sports. For more updates on the ongoing success of Camel athletics, visit the official Connecticut College Athletics page.
