Washburn University Athletics celebrates another historic year

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University Athletics continues to establish itself among the nation's elite NCAA Division II programs, finishing a best-ever ninth in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings. The prestigious national award recognizes the most successful overall athletic programs in each division of collegiate sports.

"Washburn Athletics is celebrating the most successful year in our history for the second consecutive year," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. "The remarkable accomplishments of our student-athletes-both academically and athletically-reflect their dedication, determination and commitment to excellence. Their success is also a tribute to the coaches, staff and supporters who help create an environment where they can thrive at the highest levels."

The ninth-place finish surpasses last year's 15^th place ranking, which had previously been the best in program history. The Ichabods also matched their second-place finish in the MIAA Commissioner's Cup, reflecting team success in the highly competitive Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) conference.

"Competing at a high level in the MIAA, widely regarded as one of the premier Division II conferences in the country, is a tremendous achievement," said Loren Ferre, athletics director, Washburn University. "Equally impressive is the work our student-athletes are doing in the classroom, where they earned a combined GPA of 3.47."

The Ichabods compete in 17 sports for men and women including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball. Among the many accomplishments of the 2025-2026 athletics year:

• Women's Soccer - NCAA Final 4 & regional champions
• Volleyball - MIAA Conference champions
• Men's Basketball, back-to-back MIAA Conference champions
• Men's & Women's Basketball, MIAA Tournament champions
• Men's & Women's Tennis - MIAA Conference champions
• Men's Tennis - MIAA Tournament champions
• Men's Golf - NCAA national tournament appearance
• Women's Golf - second-straight NCAA regional appearance
• Men's Track/Field/Cross Country - finishes 9^th in program of the year recognition by scoring at all 3 national championships
• Men's Indoor Track & Field - Justin Forde, national triple jump champion
• Men's Cross Country - program-best 22^nd place finish in NCAA championships
• 14 of 17 teams reach NCAA Postseason
• Highest-ever 9^th in Learfield Directors' Cup (nationally)
• 2^nd place finish in MIAA Commissioner's Cup

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