William Carey University Athletics Earns National Recognition with Top 5 NAIA Finish
(Photo from WCU Athletics)
William Carey University continues to set the standard for excellence in collegiate athletics, earning national recognition once again as one of the top athletic programs in the NAIA. For the 2024–2025 season, the university’s athletic department secured a Top 5 finish in the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings, which ranks overall athletic success among institutions in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
This marks the second consecutive year that William Carey has achieved a Top 5 finish in the national standings, solidifying its reputation as a consistent force in NAIA athletics. The honor also follows another remarkable achievement: being named the top athletic program in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) for the ninth straight year—a testament to the department’s long-standing commitment to competitive excellence.
This year’s performance represents the fourth Top 5 finish in program history, joining previous standout seasons including last year’s fifth-place ranking. The university’s best finish to date came during the 2018–2019 academic year, when William Carey placed second overall in the national standings.
Athletic Director D.J. Pulley credited the dedication of student-athletes, coaches, and staff for the continued success. “This recognition reflects the hard work, discipline, and high standards that define our entire athletic program,” Pulley said. “We’re proud of the culture we’ve built and look forward to continued growth in the years ahead.”
With this latest national honor, William Carey University continues to raise the bar in collegiate athletics, blending competitive achievement with a commitment to academic and character development.
