Westlake, Ohio – Lewis University Assistant Vice President for Athletics
John Ashaolu was selected as one of 28 recipients of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) 2025-26 Athletics Directors of the Year Award. The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges).
Ashaolu will be recognized at the Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention in Las Vegas this coming June. The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities. This year, Ashaolu is one of four Division II AD's to earn the honor, joining Keri Becker (Grand Valley), Cutis Jans (Arkansas-Fort Smith) and Reginald Ruffin (Tuskegee) as the four major award recipients.
"I am incredibly honored to be recognized by my peers and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics" Ashaolu said. "This award reflects the dedication of the coaches, staff, and student-athletes at Lewis University, and it represents the collective commitment to excellence across our entire athletic department. Our success is rooted in the Lasallian mission of faith, service, and community and in a culture where we truly 'Fly As One.' I'm grateful for the support of our university leadership and proud to be part of an institution that develops champions on the field, in the classroom, and leaders prepared to make a positive impact in the world."
Since Ashaolu took the helm of the Flyers athletic department in March 2024, the Flyers have won 14 total conference championships with 11 coming during the 2024-25 season. The Flyers improved from 20th (2023-24) to 11th place in the NCAA Division II Learfield Directors' Cup standings, the highest finish of any Division I or II school in the state of Illinois. This all culminated with Lewis securing its third straight GLVC Commissioner's Cup, Ashaolu's fifth consecutive across two institutions.
17 teams have qualified for NCAA Championships with Ashalou at the helm with the Flyers also capturing an individual national title with Denise Hernandez winning the outdoor long jump crown in 2025.
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John Ashaolu's selection as NACDA Athletics Director of the Year is a powerful affirmation of his leadership and his unwavering commitment to Lewis and its student-athletes" said Christopher Sindt. "John leads with clarity of purpose, integrity, and a genuine concern for the whole student experience—academically, athletically, and personally. His work has strengthened our athletics program while remaining deeply aligned with the University's mission and values. We are proud of John and grateful for the positive impact he continues to have on our campus and beyond."
Prior to Lewis, Ashaolu spent six years in Pittsburgh as the Director of Athletics at Point Park University, transforming the department into the premier program in the River States Conference. Under his leadership, Point Park captured its fourth consecutive All-Sports Commissioner's Cup in 2024, saw massive growths in fundraising and saw numerous coaches earn conference accolades and championships.
Earlier in his career, Ashaolu served as Director of Athletics at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), where he unified 16 athletic programs across four campuses under a strategic plan. Before that, he was Director of Athletics and Student Programs at the Community College of Beaver County, doubling sport offerings, launching the school's first athletic website, and raising funds for scholarships and facilities.
He began his athletics career on the coaching side, serving with men's basketball programs at Trinity Valley Community College, Duquesne University, and East Carolina University, before moving into administration. His first leadership role came as Director of Athletics at Seton LaSalle High School in Pittsburgh.
Beyond campus, Ashaolu is an active voice across collegiate athletics. He serves on the board of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), and is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD).
He currently serves on the advisory board of Business of Small College Athletics (BOSCA) and has participated in the Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (CALS). Currently, he serves on the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Regional Advisory Committee for the Midwest Region
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