ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Washington University in St. Louis community came together to celebrate WashU Athletics' historic 2025-26 Learfield Directors' Cup win.
 
It marked the first time in history that the Bears' won the prestigious honor, which is largely considered the ultimate measurement of overall athletic program success in collegiate sports. WashU is one of just eight Division III schools that have claimed the Cup in history.
 

WashU tallied 1,266.50 points during the 2025-26 year, highlighted by national championships in women's soccer and women's indoor track and field. Among the 19 programs, 18 made the NCAA Tournament and four finished in the Final Four in their respective sports.
 
The event marked the culmination of our Scholar-Champions' daily dedication, achieved alongside the steadfast support of the WashU Athletics Department and administration. This landmark achievement reflects not only the relentless drive of WashU Scholar-Champions, but also the vital impact of W Club supporters who empower the Bears' 19 varsity programs as they train and compete.
 
Many prominent members of the campus community and beyond were there to celebrate with and speak to the Bears, including Chancellor Andrew D. Martin; Vice Chancellor for Student Success Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez; Board of Trustees Chair Penny Pennington; Distinguished Trustee and past chair of the Board of Trustees Andy Bursky; Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama; National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Representative Kevin Hulsmann and Learfield Directors' Cup Representative Kyle Ingram.
 
Following remarks and the formal presentation of the Directors' Cup trophy, the Bears' Scholar-Champions and staff that were part of the historic win were surprised with commemorative rings from the WashU Board of Trustees.
 
The celebration continued with a vibrant festival atmosphere, as guests enjoyed an array of food trucks, arcade games, caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, a photo booth, and giveaways. The excitement built throughout the evening as the Red and Black Brass Band, joined by Student Success and Athletics' leadership, led the crowd to Francis Olympic Field for the No. 1-ranked women's soccer game.

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Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.