The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics named Grand Valley’s Director of Athletics Keri Becker as a recipient of its Athletics Directors of the Year award.
According to the NACDA website, the annual award “highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.”
“I am deeply honored that someone would nominate me for this award and even more moved to have been chosen among so many exceptional athletic directors in Division II,” said Becker. “This award is a reflection of the amazing staff, coaches and student athletes who place me in a position to be considered for such an honor.”
The national association honors 28 athletics directors across the nation each year with the distinction. Becker was one of four athletics directors in Division II to earn the award.
The NACDA presents the award across seven divisions of collegiate athletics (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges).
Under Becker’s leadership, the Lakers have solidified their standing as one of the premier athletic programs in Division II. Grand Valley captured national titles in women’s basketball and women’s outdoor track and field last year.
Additionally, GVSU earned its fifth consecutive Learfield Directors’ Cup in 2024-2025. The cup is awarded to the athletic program based on the overall success of its teams in national championships. The honor marked the 17th Directors’ Cup in school history.
Last year, GVSU teams won 13 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, a league record. The conference titles propelled the Lakers to their 26th consecutive GLIAC Presidents’ Trophy and their 31st time overall, a league-best.
Becker is also recognized as a leader in college athletics administration, serving on several national and regional committees, such as the Women Leaders in Sports Board of Directors, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Executive Committee, the NCAA DII membership committee and the West Michigan Sports Commission Board of Directors.
In its 61st year, the NACDA is the professional and educational association for more than 24,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,300 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
