1,186 PacWest student-athletes have landed on the 2025-26 D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award list, which makes the conference among the tops student-athlete leagues in the nation. 

The Pacific West Conference finished seventh of 23 NCAA Division II conferences from across the country. The conference also featured seven schools with more than 100 student-athletes making the grade.

The 1,186 scholar-athletes from 13 PacWest schools, gives the conference the highest percentage honorees in conference history. That's 91.23 scholar-athletes per university, compared to the previous best of 90.86 last year (1,272 awardees from 14 schools). 

Biola University led all PacWest schools with 175 honorees, followed by Concordia (139) and Azusa Pacific (122). Menlo also had over 100 with 119, Westmont was next (106), followed by Dominican (103), Fresno Pacific (101), Point Loma (96), Chaminade (79), Hawaii Hilo (75) and Hawaii Pacific (71). 

To qualify for this honor, the following must occur:--The school's athletic director must be a dues-paying member of the D2 ADA. The student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work, They must also have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year.

Overall, a total of 21,000-plus student-athletes were recognized from 179 institutions for the 2025-26 Academic Achievement Awards.

"In year 19, this program continues its dedication to celebrating the exceptional student-athletes who define excellence across our Division II landscape," said Jenn Bell, associate VP and director of athletics at Converse University and current D2 ADA President. "We're proud to recognize more than 21,000 deserving student-athletes from 179 institutions, reflecting the tremendous dedication within our division — not only in athletics, but in the classroom as well. 

"This year's submissions, from both individuals and schools, serve as a testament to the Division II way. Thanks to the administrators who nominated these outstanding individuals, and much deserved congratulations to all this year's recipients."

To see the complete list from schools across the country (D2 ADA release), click here.