Denison University Achieves Remarkable 20th Place in 2024-25 LEARFIELD Directors Cup
An Unprecedented Academic Year for the Big Red
Cleveland, Ohio (June 10, 2025) – Denison University’s intercollegiate athletic programs have capped off an incredible academic year by finishing 20th out of 323 institutions in the prestigious LEARFIELD Directors Cup competition. This achievement marks a historic milestone, as it’s the first time since the 2005-06 season and the fifth overall occurrence that the Big Red have secured a spot in the top 20.
Spring Season Surge: A Closer Look at Team Performances
The Big Red’s ranking saw a staggering leap of 18 spots from the winter standings, primarily driven by the performances of six spring sports teams. Notably, five of these teams ranked in the top 17 nationally in their respective sports, showcasing Denison’s depth and talent.
Men’s Tennis: A Champion Emerges
Leading the charge was the Men’s Tennis team, which amassed an impressive 100 points and clinched the NCAA Division III National Championship by defeating Case Western Reserve University 4-2. This exhilarating victory under Head Coach David Schilling, a proud Denison alumnus from the class of 1984, was a highlight of the season.
Other Spring Highlights
The season also saw remarkable performances from:
- Baseball: Finishing 5th in the nation, contributing 78 points
- Women’s Lacrosse: Achieving a similar 5th place, yielding 73 points
- Women’s Golf: Ranking 16th and adding 58.5 points
- Men’s Lacrosse: Ending up 17th, securing 50 points
- Men’s Outdoor Track and Field: Contributing 28.5 points with three athletes finishing 42nd.
Fall Season Triumphs: Setting the Stage
At the conclusion of the fall season, the Big Red stood at 81st place with 73 points. However, a strong spring performance propelled them to 38th place, thanks to 205 points from three teams competing in postseason events.
Swimming to Success
The Men’s Swimming and Diving team led the way with an impressive 100 points after securing its sixth NCAA title. Not to be overshadowed, the Women’s Swimming and Diving team excelled too, finishing fourth and contributing an additional 80 points.
Basketball Breakthrough
The Men’s Basketball team made its first NCAA appearance since the 2016-17 season, adding 25 points with a 33rd place finish in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. These collective efforts brought the Big Red’s total to 278 points heading into the spring season.
Critical Moments: Narrow Misses and Stellar Performances
The Big Red’s Men’s Soccer team had a thrilling run, narrowly missing the Final Four after a 2-1 defeat to Connecticut College in the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship Quarterfinals. Their fifth-place finish added 73 points, cementing an unforgettable season.
A Powerful Display from Multiple Teams
Overall, ten teams represented Denison at the NCAA level this academic year. The Big Red maintained its competitive edge, boasting six top-five finishes, including two national championships. This impressive track record positioned Denison as one of only six schools to achieve such success this season.
Team Breakdown: Points and Rankings
- Men’s Swimming & Diving: 1st, 100 points
- Men’s Tennis: 1st, 100 points
- Women’s Swimming & Diving: 4th, 80 points
- Baseball: 5th, 78 points
- Women’s Lacrosse: 5th, 73 points
- Men’s Soccer: 5th, 73 points
- Women’s Golf: 16th, 58.5 points
- Men’s Lacrosse: 17th, 50 points
- Men’s Basketball: 33rd, 25 points
- Men’s Outdoor Track and Field: 42nd, 28.5 points
This unparalleled success positioned Denison alongside elite institutions, with Emory winning the Directors Cup and other colleges like Hopkins and UW-La Crosse trailing close behind.
For the complete LEARFIELD Directors Cup release, check out the detailed announcement by NACDA here.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As Denison University celebrates this remarkable achievement, the anticipation for future seasons is palpable. The Big Red, with its commitment to excellence in athletics and academics, is poised to continue making history. Whether through team championships or individual accolades, the spirit of Denison will undoubtedly thrive in the years ahead.
