U of R Athletics Awarded NCAA Pathway to Excellence Grant
Photo by Alan Barcenas
At the third annual Golden Dawg Awards Banquet held last April, juniors Savanah Christenson and Kev Markossian were singled out as the 2026 Breakout Athletes of the Year recipients, given to student-athletes who made the biggest leap in their role, performance, and impact on the team. Christenson received the award for her contributions to golf, and Markossian for football.
From goredlands.com
REDLANDS, Calif. — The University of Redlands and Bulldog Athletics have received a Pathway to Excellence Grant to support the creation of a new athletics compliance and student-athlete success coordinator position.
The grant represents an investment in the Bulldogs' holistic approach to athletics. Designed to enhance the student-athlete experience, the funding will support programming focused on academic achievement, leadership development, mental health resources and career readiness.
"This grant is a testament to the culture we are building at Redlands," said Nikki Ayers, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. "We are committed to developing well-rounded individuals, and this funding allows us to expand critical resources that directly impact our student-athletes' growth."
The new coordinator will guide student-athletes through academic, personal and professional development by connecting them with campus resources, including financial literacy and mental health support. Through intentional outreach and progress monitoring, the role aims to help student-athletes build skills for success during their collegiate experience and beyond.
In addition to student development, the coordinator will support athletics operations by assisting with education and oversight related to NCAA and conference expectations.
The position is funded by the NCAA Pathway to Excellence Grant, a national initiative that invests in the recruitment, access and long-term success of underrepresented individuals within Division III athletics administration and coaching. A select group of institutions and conference offices are chosen annually through a competitive, committee-driven process. For the upcoming cycle, 23 recipients were awarded funding.