Dec. 16, 2011
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By Joe Hornstein
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) -Thanks to strong performances from the women's and men's soccer programs, UCF Athletics debuted at No. 24 in the most recent release of NACDA's Learfield Sports Director's Cup standings, which ranks each Division I program across the country based on their postseason achievements. UCF's current point total is 123 with women's soccer earning 73 for its Elite Eight finish and the men's team receiving 50 for its second-round appearance.
This past fall, the women's soccer program advanced all the way to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championship, getting past national powers North Carolina (Sweet 16) and Florida (Round of 32) in the Gainesville Regional, in addition to FIU in the opening round. The men's program advanced to the second round of the championship for the second-straight season, after defeating Florida Gulf Coast in the first round.
At No. 24, UCF is highest amongst Conference USA institutions and joins New Mexico (Mountain West) in the top 25 as the only institutions presently competing in non-automatic qualifying conferences. At the same time last year, UCF debuted at No. 35 in the rankings - the school's previous high.
Last academic year, 2010-11, UCF celebrated its highest finish in the Director's Cup standings at No. 63 with 328 points. A school-best eight programs earned points including football, women's soccer, men's soccer, women's basketball, women's indoor and outdoor track and field and baseball.
The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 20 sports -- ten women's and ten men's.
The next fall Division I standings will be released Thursday, Dec. 22.