McLean County Times

Illinois Wesleyan University has achieved a notable placement in the Division III Learfield Directors' Cup Rankings, securing the 27th position for the 2024-25 academic year. This marks the university's highest ranking since the 2018-19 academic year, matching its previous best at 27th place, and achieving its highest point total since 2017-18.

The Titans accumulated a total of 564.75 points across ten sports throughout the academic year. The spring season proved particularly successful for Illinois Wesleyan, contributing significantly to their overall score. In men's golf, they earned 90 points with a second-place finish at the NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championship. The softball team added another 64 points by reaching the super regional stage. Women's outdoor track and field contributed 60.75 points, aided by an individual national championship from Imani Ogunribido and three All-American performances, leading to a 14th-place finish. Additional contributions came from women's golf (60 points), men's outdoor track & field (50 points), and men's lacrosse (12 points).

During the winter season, both women's and men's basketball teams each secured 64 points, while men's indoor track & field added five more. In fall sports, women's volleyball advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, earning Illinois Wesleyan 31 points.

Overall, Illinois Wesleyan was one of three institutions from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin to rank within the top-100 in these standings. North Central College finished slightly ahead at 25th with a total of 605.85 points, while Augustana College ranked at 93rd with 220.75 points.

The LEARFIELD Directors' Cup is a collaborative initiative between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today that awards points based on schools' finishes in NCAA Championships across various sports disciplines.

In historical context, Illinois Wesleyan's rankings have varied over the years, peaking as high as fifth place in 2010 with a point total of 704.25.