#10: The 13th Division II National Championship Festival is officially underway this week in Orlando, Fla., with six spring championships on the schedule through May 25, including men’s & women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, softball and men’s & women’s tennis. Hosted by Rollins and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, “the festival is designed to enhance the student-athlete experience, create more awareness and exposure for Division II sports and increase attendance by having multiple championships in one location.” More info. (link)
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#9: DHR Global will be leading the search for New Haven’s AD. (link) |
#8: North Greenville names Blue Mountain Christian (NAIA) AD Will Lowrey to the same role with the Crusaders. Lowrey: "It is through steadfast prayer, faith, and obedience that I accept the call to serve North Greenville University. I have committed my life to go where God is leading. It has been an emotional and spiritual experience. I am confident that He is leading me into this next chapter." President Gene Fant: "We are delighted to welcome Will Lowrey to the NGU community and excited about continuing to build on the strengths of our athletic programs. He is stepping into a critical position in working with our coaches and the broader campus community. Will has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to honor God in his leadership, building relationships and creating opportunities for student-athletes and their coaches to excel in all areas of life." (link)
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#7: No. 2 seed UT Tyler and fourth-seeded UIndy remain unbeaten in winner’s bracket play and have reached the semifinal round of the double-elimination 2024 NCAA DII Softball Championship. Both teams need just one more victory on Wednesday to advance to the best-of-three national championship series. (link)
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#6: Sonoma State President Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee decides to retire just one day after being placed on administrative leave and accused of insubordination following the sending a campus-wide email outlining an agreement reached with protesting students. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic & Student Affairs Nathan Evans is now serving as Acting President. (link, link)
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#5: Central Missouri names South Dakota (DI) Senior Assoc. AD for External Affairs Joe Thuente as Senior Assoc. AD for External Relations. (link) |
#4: Division II announces the 46 student-athlete recipients of the 50th Anniversary Scholarship. Schools submitted a total of 196 nominations, and conference offices were responsible for trimming their league’s nominees down to four finalists for review by the Division II Management Council Identity Subcommittee before a male and female honoree were selected from each of the 23 DII conferences. “Recipients have exemplified the division's Life in the Balance philosophy through high-level athletics competition, academic achievement, campus involvement and community engagement.” Each of the awards is worth over $1,000. Full list of recipients. (link)
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#3: The final 16 squads have been finalized for 2024 NCAA DII Baseball Super Regionals to be contested at campus sites over May 24-25. (link, link)
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#2: The final eight teams are set for the 2024 NCAA DII Softball Championship to be held from May 19-25 at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Orlando, Fla. Top seed AUM (46-12) will open the event on Sunday against eighth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne (50-15) at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT. Bracket/schedule/watch links: (link, link)
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#1: Illinois Springfield selects Pacific (DI) Senior Assoc. AD for External Operations Mike Hermann as the Prairie Stars’ new AD. Hermann: “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve the students of UIS at this amazing institution and energized by the chance to serve alongside the hard-working athletics staff. I want to thank Chancellor Janet Gooch, Vice Chancellor Jamarco Clark and search committee chairs James Koeppe and Kelsea Gurski. I cannot wait to get started in Springfield.” Clark: “We're excited to welcome Mike to the UIS Athletics family. His extensive background in collegiate athletics and dedication to its advancement make him an ideal fit for this crucial role. With his leadership, we're confident UIS Athletics will thrive, bringing pride to our entire community.” (link)
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