2016 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence Finalists

Academy of Art University athletics has been named one of the country's 25 finalists for the 2016 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence in a recent announcement. Recognizing the ART U women's soccer National Coming Out Day event held on October 11, 2015, the NCAA selected the Urban Knights as contenders for its prestigious accolade identifying positive initiatives taken on this past year. The Award of Excellence is presented for an activity or event that exemplifies excellence in any of the areas covered by the six attributes of Division II – learning, service, balance, passion, sportsmanship, and resourcefulness.

"It gives me tremendous pride to work for a university and athletic department that celebrates diversity and inclusion and sets a high standard for community engagement and service," said director of athletics Colin Preston. "I want to personally thank Cameron De Lay, Rob Garcia, the entire women's soccer program, the AAU Out Loud! club, and the rest of our department for going above and beyond for the event."

On Oct. 11, 2015 out at Skyline College, ART U athletics celebrated National Coming Out Day at its women's soccer match. Focused on the theme of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender awareness, athletes and fans alike had a variety of opportunities to offer their support and acceptance of the LGBT community. The women's soccer team itself wore rainbow wristbands and handmade tie-dyed rainbow t-shirts with the 27-year anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in mind.

At the front entrance to the field, there were multiple stations for fans to interact with and show their support for the LGBT community. AAU OutLoud!, the school's very own LGBT club, was at the gate handing out rainbow headbands that donned the Academy of Art logo on the front. Additionally, they distributed a double-sided handout that, on one side, had facts and tips on how to help a person who is in the process of coming out and the external resources one can use.

On the other side of the handout, the Athlete Ally Pledge was printed. Athlete Ally is a non-profit organization that provides public awareness campaigns to help foster inclusion within sports at the Olympic, Professional, and Collegiate level. By taking the Athlete Ally pledge, one is taking a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports. Over 120 signatures of those interested in taking the pledge were gathered and fans were encouraged to hold onto the flier for an out-loud reading of the Athlete Ally Pledge at halftime.

Fans also had an opportunity to participate in a Skittles guessing contest. In keeping with the all-inclusive theme, individuals guessed how many of the rainbow candy were in the jar and the winner won a bag of skittles as well as a 2015 LGBT Pride shirt from Chipotle, an official sponsor of the Academy of Art University athletic department.

The first-ever LGBT awareness event held at the Academy of Art, National Coming Out Day was enjoyed by students and staff alike. On social media, members of the largest crowd at an ART U women's soccer match to date showed their support and pride toward attending a school that celebrates such an important day to the LGBT community. Through thoughtful partnerships with AAU OutLoud!, the SF LGBT Center, Athlete Ally, and Chipotle, the Academy of Art University athletic department was able to execute a memorable event that has left a lasting impact on the campus and community.

Each NCAA Award of Excellence finalist – one representing each Division II conference and an independent representative – will receive $500 for its event or activity. Two runner-up recipients and one overall winner will be announced during the Division II Business Session at the 2016 NCAA Convention on Jan. 16 in San Antonio. The winner will receive $1,500 and a nationally-televised football or basketball game during the 2016-17 seasons. The first runner-up will receive $1,250 and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is expected to be used on future community engagement initiatives.