Madonna University Athletics Achieves Historic Top-15 National Finish

LIVONIA, MI - Madonna University Athletics has reached a new milestone, earning its highest-ever finish in the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings. The Crusaders placed 15th nationally with 632.75 points.

About the Learfield Directors' Cup

The final 2025-26 NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings, released June 9, recognize overall athletic excellence across NAIA championship sports. The final rankings are determined using results from 13 sports, including the required sports of men's basketball, women's basketball, men's soccer, and women's volleyball. For institutions that score in more than the designated number of sports, the lowest point totals are excluded from the final calculation.

Breaking Down the Record-Breaking Performance

Madonna totaled 632.75 points during the 2025-26 academic year, highlighted by a strong spring season that contributed 345.50 points to the total. The Crusaders also earned 171.25 points during the winter season and 116.00 points in fall competition. Madonna finished just behind 14th-place Taylor University (636.50 points) and ahead of 16th-place College of Idaho, which had 630.50 points.

Joining the NAIA Elite

The historic finish places Madonna among the NAIA's premier athletic programs and reflects the commitment and achievements of Crusader student-athletes, coaches, and staff throughout the year. Competing alongside nationally recognized programs such as the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.), which topped the standings with 1,021 points, Indiana Wesleyan University (969.00) and Keiser University (918.00), Madonna delivered a record-setting performance across its athletic department.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Crusader Nation

This achievement highlights a year defined by competitive success, including conference championships, national tournament appearances, and continued excellence both on and off the field. The 2025-26 campaign showcased the depth and strength of Crusader Athletics across all levels.