JJC Athletics Receives Excellence in Innovation Award

Joliet Junior College (JJC) Athletics has received the 2026 Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation's longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.

This new honor celebrates colleges and universities shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics through forward-thinking programs, initiatives, operations and partnerships. Areas of innovation include support for student-athlete success, NIL (name, image, and likeness) education, sports science, performance, community engagement, technology use and more.

JJC Athletics will be featured in the November 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.

"This is a proud moment for JJC Athletics and an honor that belongs to our entire department," said Gregg Braun, JJC athletic director. "Our student-athletes, coaches and staff work tirelessly to make a positive impact both on campus and throughout our community. We have made it a priority to welcome the community to JJC and to take JJC into the community through service, outreach and engagement. This award validates those efforts and recognizes the dedication of the Wolves to represent our institution with excellence, character and service. The impact of our programs extends well beyond the playing surface, and people across our community are truly hearing the howl."

Insight Into Academia magazine selected JJC Athletics because of their community engagement and initiative to bring together their student-athletes to give back to their community. The main initiative included the formal partnership between The Greater Joliet Area YMCA and JJC Athletics. With that, the "Junior Wolves" youth sports program was introduced as well. Through this partnership, JJC and the YMCA have expanded youth sports, mentorship and community programs on JJC's main campus. These programs include year-round youth sports leagues and camps, offered as part of YMCA Junior Wolves, where youth have the opportunity to train with JJC athletes and coaches and YMCA staff.

Also, JJC Athletics has grown their "Paws on the Street" program, which brings JJC student-athletes into schools and the YMCA's after-school Kid Zone program to mentor and inspire younger students.

"The Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics recognizes colleges and universities turning bold ideas into meaningful progress in intercollegiate athletics," said Holly Mendelson, co-owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. "We are proud to honor institutions setting a higher standard for what college athletics can achieve - for student-athletes, campuses, and the fans and communities they serve."

To see the full list of recipients of the 2026 Insight Into Academia Excellence in Innovation Award: College Athletics, visit InsightIntoAcademia.com.

About Insight Into Academia

For more than 50 years, Insight Into Academia has empowered higher education leaders by defining and advancing the best practices shaping the future of the academy. Across its magazine, podcast, webinars, awards, and digital platforms, Insight spotlights the institutions, initiatives, and ideas driving progress across higher education. Through thought-provoking articles, expert advice, valuable resources, and in-depth profiles of top programs, Insight helps higher education understand what's working and what comes next. Recognition by Insight Into Academia reflects leadership, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based excellence. To learn more, visit www.Insightintoacademia.com