Lee Moon Named NACDA Athletic Director of the Year
3/15/2021 2:34:00 PM | General
CLEVELAND, Ohio --Â The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the 28 winners of its Athletics Director of the Year Award (ADOY) with North Florida's Lee Moon earning one of four recognitions at the Division I-AAA level.
The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized leading up to and in conjunction with the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Virtual Convention, July 27-28. The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.
"As we reflect upon all that has happened in our industry and in our world over the past year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to honor the dedication and passion that NACDA athletics directors have for their student-athletes, institutions and campus communities," said Bob Vecchione, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. "This year we certainly could recognize every AD in the country with this award. We applaud the efforts of the men and women across the country who have served as a source of inspiration and strength in leading their departments through this unprecedented time."
A veteran administrator, Moon took over at North Florida in February 2009 and recently completed his 12th year at the Osprey helm. Last year during one of the most unprecedented times for college athletics, Moon skillfully navigated the Osprey program through COVID and financial challenges while protecting teams, scholarships and salaries for staff.
"I am honored to receive this recognition," stated Moon. "Having been an administrator for as long as I have, you realize that these awards are truly a reflection of the dedicated and hard-working people on your team. I've been blessed through the years to have been surrounded by very talented folks that shared my vision for growth. Especially during my time at North Florida, this group has definitely been committed and passionate about developing an athletic program focused on providing the best student-athlete experience possible and have now created a well-rounded program. I feel my selection this year is based on a combination of my ability to help UNF overcome the unique challenges presented this past year along with a culmination of successful accomplishments from throughout my career. I want to thank everyone that not only helped mold me into the person I am, but also all those that have worked alongside me to reach the highest levels of success."
Despite the limitations created by COVID, Moon oversaw several facility enhancements for Osprey programs including the addition of a press box and elevated stadium seating at the UNF Softball Complex, the completion of The Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex and the construction of the soon to be opened UNF Aquatic Center. With his assistance, Athletic Development has seen recent records set for donor counts and donor revenue.
"Since his arrival in 2009, Coach Moon has served our university with distinction, care and consideration for student-athletes and coaches while consistently emphasizing integrity, recruiting and hiring for character," said UNF President David Szymanski. "He had led us to our most exciting expansion projects in conference history and his unwavering focus on classroom achievement has led to sustained high academic performance among our student athletes. He has been a tremendous leader throughout the COVID pandemic. His positive approach and steadfast diligence in implementing safe and effective plans have made an incredible impact in carrying UNF safely through these challenging times."
North Florida athletic teams have consistently played for and captured ASUN Conference championships during his tenure. Additionally, UNF has a current seven-year streak of cumulative department GPAs of 3.0 or better highlighted by a record department GPA of 3.61 during Spring 2020, a semester forced to go completely virtual midway through it.
His leadership fingerprints extend beyond the UNF campus with Moon's positive influence reflected in the growth of the ASUN Conference. He served an integral part in helping the ASUNÂ make its recent expansion additions of Liberty, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State.
"We all share a students first approach in the ASUN," said ASUNÂ Commissioner Ted Gumbart. "When deserving colleagues get recognized for the way they support the students, the department, the university and the conference, that brings very special satisfaction. Coach Moon is one of the best and most-deserving of this honor. I'm proud to call him a friend and colleague."
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 56th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 22,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,200 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and four foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.
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The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized leading up to and in conjunction with the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Virtual Convention, July 27-28. The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.
"As we reflect upon all that has happened in our industry and in our world over the past year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to honor the dedication and passion that NACDA athletics directors have for their student-athletes, institutions and campus communities," said Bob Vecchione, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. "This year we certainly could recognize every AD in the country with this award. We applaud the efforts of the men and women across the country who have served as a source of inspiration and strength in leading their departments through this unprecedented time."
A veteran administrator, Moon took over at North Florida in February 2009 and recently completed his 12th year at the Osprey helm. Last year during one of the most unprecedented times for college athletics, Moon skillfully navigated the Osprey program through COVID and financial challenges while protecting teams, scholarships and salaries for staff.
"I am honored to receive this recognition," stated Moon. "Having been an administrator for as long as I have, you realize that these awards are truly a reflection of the dedicated and hard-working people on your team. I've been blessed through the years to have been surrounded by very talented folks that shared my vision for growth. Especially during my time at North Florida, this group has definitely been committed and passionate about developing an athletic program focused on providing the best student-athlete experience possible and have now created a well-rounded program. I feel my selection this year is based on a combination of my ability to help UNF overcome the unique challenges presented this past year along with a culmination of successful accomplishments from throughout my career. I want to thank everyone that not only helped mold me into the person I am, but also all those that have worked alongside me to reach the highest levels of success."
Despite the limitations created by COVID, Moon oversaw several facility enhancements for Osprey programs including the addition of a press box and elevated stadium seating at the UNF Softball Complex, the completion of The Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex and the construction of the soon to be opened UNF Aquatic Center. With his assistance, Athletic Development has seen recent records set for donor counts and donor revenue.
"Since his arrival in 2009, Coach Moon has served our university with distinction, care and consideration for student-athletes and coaches while consistently emphasizing integrity, recruiting and hiring for character," said UNF President David Szymanski. "He had led us to our most exciting expansion projects in conference history and his unwavering focus on classroom achievement has led to sustained high academic performance among our student athletes. He has been a tremendous leader throughout the COVID pandemic. His positive approach and steadfast diligence in implementing safe and effective plans have made an incredible impact in carrying UNF safely through these challenging times."
North Florida athletic teams have consistently played for and captured ASUN Conference championships during his tenure. Additionally, UNF has a current seven-year streak of cumulative department GPAs of 3.0 or better highlighted by a record department GPA of 3.61 during Spring 2020, a semester forced to go completely virtual midway through it.
His leadership fingerprints extend beyond the UNF campus with Moon's positive influence reflected in the growth of the ASUN Conference. He served an integral part in helping the ASUNÂ make its recent expansion additions of Liberty, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State.
"We all share a students first approach in the ASUN," said ASUNÂ Commissioner Ted Gumbart. "When deserving colleagues get recognized for the way they support the students, the department, the university and the conference, that brings very special satisfaction. Coach Moon is one of the best and most-deserving of this honor. I'm proud to call him a friend and colleague."
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 56th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 22,000 college athletics administrators at more than 2,200 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and four foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.
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