The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the 29 winners of the Under Armour AD of the Year Award (ADOY) today. University of Mary Washington AD Dr. Edward Hegmann was the Division III Southeast Region winner.

Hegmann is in his 34th year at the Fredericksburg school. A Pittsburgh, Pa. native, he earned his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, his masters from Springfield College, and his doctorate from Temple University. 

Since 1976, Hegmann has overseen the expansion of the program at UMW from six sports to 23, been a major catalyst in the development of the Battleground Athletic Complex, one of the finest outdoor facilities in the nation, and seen 22 of the school’s 23 programs advance to national championship competition. 

Hegmann also directed the women’s tennis team for 23 years, and led the Eagles to three national championships (the AIAW national title in 1982 and NCAA Division III titles in 1988 and 91).

A master of planning facilities, in addition to the Battleground, Hegmann was instrumental in the planning for the UMW Indoor Tennis Center, built in 2005. In addition to the school’s top-notch 12-court lighted outdoor facility, the six-court indoor complex has allowed UMW to host both men’s tennis and women’s tennis national championships in the past five years. 

Hegmann is currently aiding in the construction of the William M. Anderson center, a basketball/volleyball arena that will seat nearly 2,000 fans and allow UMW to host NCAA competition at the highest levels in those sports as well.

Winners will receive their awards during the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 24 at NACDA's 45th Annual Convention at the Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.

NACDA Executive Director Mike Cleary explains the ADOY Award is essential because it highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to campuses and their surrounding communities.

"Before the program's inception, our Honors and Awards Committee recognized a need for an award such as the AD of the Year," said Cleary, who oversaw implementation of the program to allow all NACDA Officers and Honors and Awards Committee members to participate in the awards process, should they be elected. "The program brings to light the exceptional jobs done by athletics directors across the country. These 29 winners exemplify that, providing us with a group of outstanding athletics directors who excel at their jobs."