CLEVELAND— The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks finished second in the country and atop the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference by a wide margin with 280 student-athletes, who received Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Awards, that were released by the organization for the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday.

The Mavs' total, which included representation from all 21 different Division II championship sports that CMU sponsors, was more than double any other institution in the RMAC (CSU Pueblo – 139) and was the second highest total throughout the division.

Only Tiffin (Ohio) had more with 300 selections.

A record 22,756 student-athletes from 202 institutions were recognized, marking the first time that an annual total surpassed 20,000.

To qualify for the honor, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have completed a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work and been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last year academic year.

 "Since its inception, this program has been dedicated to celebrating the exceptional student-athletes who define excellence across our Division II landscape," said Traci Murphy, vice president for athletics at Daemen University and current D2 ADA President.

"This year, we are thrilled to recognize a record number of deserving individuals, reflecting the unprecedented dedication within our division - not only in athletics, but in the classroom as well. This year's record-breaking submissions for both individuals and schools serve as a testament to the Division II way. Thanks to the administrators that nominated these outstanding individuals, and much-deserved congratulations to our 22,000-plus recipients."