OU's Steve Waterfield named 2025-26 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year

Oakland University Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield has been named a recipient of the 2025-26 Division I-AAA Athletic Director of the Year Award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the organization announced Monday.

The NACDA Athletic Director of the Year Award highlights outstanding athletics directors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, program development and commitment to student-athlete success.

"I am honored to be selected as one of the 2025-26 NACDA Athletic Directors of the Year, and thank NACDA for this recognition," said Waterfield. "The award reflects the remarkable coaches, staff and student-athletes I am fortunate to be around at Oakland University and the tremendous support OU Athletics receives from the University community, alumni, and friends, starting with the leadership of President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. Finally, I am forever grateful to my family because I would not be receiving this award without their support and encouragement, not only during my time at Oakland but throughout my career."

Waterfield has served as Oakland's Director of Athletics since 2018, guiding the department's strategic growth and strengthening the Golden Grizzlies' presence within the Horizon League, where they have not only been one of the winningest schools in the conference, but one of the most progressive departments as well. His leadership has helped advance Oakland's mission of supporting student-athlete success academically, athletically and personally.

Under Waterfield's leadership, Oakland University Athletics has continued to grow competitively and academically while emphasizing the overall student-athlete experience. Oakland teams have found success across multiple sports, while student-athletes have consistently excelled in the classroom and in the community.

The NACDA Athletic Director of the Year Award spans multiple divisions of collegiate athletics and recognizes leaders who have made a significant impact within their departments and institutions.

Waterfield will be formally recognized during the NACDA & Affiliates Convention, held in June, where athletics administrators from across the country gather to celebrate leadership and excellence in collegiate athletics.