University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Athletics Named Top-10 Finalist for NACDA Community Service Award, Finishes 13th in NCAA Helper Helper Rankings
5/21/2026 2:16:00 PM | Baseball, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Wrestling, Men's Track & Field, Life Skills, Women's Lacrosse
PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics has been named a top-10 finalist for the NACDA Community Service Award, presented by Fiesta Bowl, and finished 13th overall in the NCAA Helper Helper Division I rankings.
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, The NACDA Community Service Award recognizes Division I athletic departments that go above and beyond in giving back to their communities. The winning institution will be announced in conjunction with the 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention in Las Vegas, at the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 9, at 4 p.m. ET.
Pitt's ongoing commitment to community outreach was also reflected in the NCAA Helper Helper rankings, where the Panthers ranked 13th overall among Division I institutions and were the second-highest ranked power conference program. Individually, Pitt had six programs finish in the top 10 nationally in their respective sports: wrestling, football, baseball, men's track & field/cross country, women's lacrosse, and men's basketball.
Pitt was among the 57,858 participants from NCAA institutions that combined for 637,205 total hours of community service for an economic impact of $23 million.
ABOUT NACDA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Athletics departments being nominated for this award will have consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion, and service to either one organization or a variety of volunteer activities in one school year (2025-26). The winning institution will be one that exemplifies the best in volunteering and demonstrates a responsibility for helping others, thus connecting citizens and addressing community issues. Additionally, the award winner will be a department who makes selfless and extraordinary contributions beyond what is expected of them for the betterment of the local community and beyond.
About NCAA Helper Helper
The NCAA Helper Helper Service Challenge is a national community service competition for NCAA DI, DII and DIII athletic departments and student-athletes. Schools are ranked from a combination of total hours per student-athlete and participation rate of teams. It recognizes schools for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism and community service. Participation in the competition using the Helper Helper platform was open to all NCAA-affiliated schools.
Helper Helper Rankings
Pitt's Top 10 Teams
2. Wrestling
3. Football
5. Baseball
6. Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
6. Women's Lacrosse
7. Men's Basketball
Top 15 Schools
1. Coastal Carolina University
2. Utah State University
3. Belmont University
4. Old Dominion University
5. University of North Dakota
6. Western Michigan University
7. Tulane University
8. James Madison University
9. University of Miami
10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
11. University of South Alabama
12. University of San Diego
13. University of Pittsburgh
14. University of Nebraska at Omaha
15. University of North Alabama
