Courtesy of Grand Canyon Athletics
Grand Canyon University and its athletics department reached new heights in 2025, a year defined by a move to the Mountain West Conference, high-level competitive success, academic excellence and expanded national visibility.
Those accomplishments were recognized as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics named GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs NACDA Athletics Director of the Year for Division I-AAA.
While the award recognizes an individual, the honor reflects the collective achievements of GCU during a transformational year for the university and its athletics department.
“This recognition really reflects the incredible momentum of Grand Canyon University and the vision of President Brian Mueller, whose leadership and support continue to position our university and athletics department for success,” said Boggs, who has led the athletic department since 2019. “I’m grateful for the dedication of our coaches, staff, student-athletes and the passion of Lope Nation, which makes GCU such a special place to represent. This award belongs to our entire community, and we are working hard daily to continue to push GCU Athletics to new heights.”
The defining milestone of the year was GCU’s transition from the WAC to the Mountain West, positioning the Lopes among one of the nation’s most competitive and visible leagues. The move expanded the university’s national footprint through constant broadcast exposure, strengthened recruiting opportunities and aligned GCU with institutions that match the university’s passion and ambition.
The Lopes entered the Mountain West era following one of the most successful years in department history. GCU captured its fifth consecutive WAC Commissioner’s Cup to close its time in the conference, completing a dominant run as the league’s top-performing athletic department.
Competitive success followed across multiple programs in 2025.
GCU won eight conference championships and earned an additional NCAA at-large selection, running the university’s tally of conference championships to 78 in under 13 years at the Division I level. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams reached the NCAA Tournament in the same season, while softball made its fourth consecutive NCAA appearance and debuted in the top 25. Men’s soccer advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 with two tournament wins, and both women’s tennis and men’s golf also earned NCAA postseason appearances.
Off the field, GCU student-athletes delivered record-setting academic performance. The athletics department posted a 3.55 GPA in fall 2025, the highest single-term GPA in department history, and a 3.39 GPA for the 2024-25 academic year. GCU’s Graduation Success Rate climbed to 94%, the highest mark in school history, the top rate in Arizona and second-highest among Mountain West institutions.
The department also experienced major growth in fan engagement and exposure. A new television partnership with Arizona’s Family dramatically expanded the reach of GCU Athletics, increasing the number of locally televised events from approximately 20 to more than 75 while bringing Lopes competition to households across the Southwest through free over-the-air broadcasts.
Fan interest continued to grow as ticket sales surged across multiple sports, including softball (up 232%), volleyball (up 163%), women’s basketball (up 74%), men’s basketball (up 50%) and baseball (up 44%).
Support from donors and alumni also increased significantly through Lopes Club, the official fundraising arm of GCU Athletics, dedicated to supporting student-athletes by ensuring they have the resources to compete for championships. In 2025, Lopes Club saw a 25% rise in membership and a 34% increase in dollars raised, along with the introduction of a new top giving level.
The department also launched the Grace. Grit. Glory. initiative to champion excellence in GCU women’s sports while reinforcing the university’s Christ-centered mission and commitment to developing student-athletes who excel both in competition and in character.
Together, those achievements highlight a year in which GCU strengthened its competitive profile, expanded its national visibility and deepened its alignment with the university’s broader mission. The momentum generated in 2025 positions the Lopes for continued success on the national stage while maintaining the academic excellence and community impact that define the program.
“NACDA is once again proud to recognize an impressive class of Athletics Directors of the Year who are strong, inspiring and innovative in the way they lead and serve others,” said Pat Manak, NACDA chief executive officer. “For an award that spans almost three decades, we continue to honor both rising stars and industry veterans who make an impact across an ever-changing industry.”
Boggs and other award winners will be recognized at the NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., at the beginning of the association-wide featured session on June 9 at 4 p.m.
