CLEVELAND, Ohio – For the ninth straight year, Madonna University earned a Top 80 finish in the final standings of the NAIA LEARFIELD Directors' Cup. This prestigious award was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in the NAIA Tournament / National Championship events.

The Crusaders totaled 436 points, earning 38th place in the standings. The University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) claimed the title for the second year in a row with 1,014 points, while Keiser University (Fla.) finished runner-up with 954 points. Madonna was one of seven Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) institutions to place in the Top 100.

"Overall, I'm very proud of the accomplishments of our athletes, coaches, and teams this year," said Director of Athletics Noel Emenhiser. "We've seen tremendous growth in programs that compete at a high level in the conference and on the national stage, which is reflected in the Learfield Cup standings. Madonna will continue working to grow and provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience in both education and competition."

Madonna had eight programs qualify for postseason competition, with all eight finishing in the Top 40 nationally in their respective sports. Additionally, the Crusaders earned 40 NAIA All-American honors across all sports during the 2024–25 season.

CRUSADERS ON THE NATIONAL STAGE:

• No. 2 - Men's Outdoor Track & Field
• No. 3 - Women's Indoor Track & Field
• No. 3 - Men's Lacrosse
• No. 17 - Women's Outdoor Track & Field
• No. 21 - Men's Indoor Track & Field
• No. 21 - Softball
• No. 33 - Men's Soccer
• No. 33 - Men's Basketball

PREVIOUS FINISHES

• 2024-25 - 38th Place
• 2023-24 - 39th Place
• 2022-23 - 32nd Place
• 2021-22 - 60th Place
• 2020-21 - 49th Place
• 2019-20 - 19th Place (NO FINAL STANDINGS DUE TO COVID-19)
• 2018-19 - 26th Place
• 2017-18 - 53rd Place
• 2016-17 - 79th Place
• 2015-16 - 131st Place
• 2014-15 - 102nd Place
• 2013-14 - 129th Place
• 2012-13 - 79th Place
• 2011-12 - 109th Place
• 2010-11 - N/A
• 2009-10 - 77th Place
• 2008-09 - 62nd Place
• 2007-08 - 77th Place
• 2006-07 - 91st Place
• 2005-06 - 38th Place
• 2004-05 - 55th Place
• 2003-04 - 61st Place