CMU Athletics is recognized by NCAA, winning the Division II Award of Excellence for its Where We Become Mavericks initiative
On January 7, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced the finalists for its Award of Excellence, celebrating colleges and universities that go above and beyond with stewardship in their communities. Colorado Mesa University is proud to announce it has been awarded the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference award for its Where We Become Mavericks initiative and collaboration with Mesa County Valley School District 51 (D51) schools in boosting early affinity and awareness of post-secondary education opportunities in Mesa County.
“This recognition reflects the ongoing collaboration between our student-athletes and School District 51,” said Director of Athletics Rob Courtney. “Our student-athletes understand their impact extends far beyond the field, floor, mat and pool. Through Where We Become Mavericks, they are showing young students in our community what’s possible by leading with character, service, and a genuine commitment to uplifting others. We’re incredibly proud of the way our teams represent CMU.”
During the 2024-2025 academic year, over nine teams visited nine different schools, involving over 100 of CMU’s student-athletes. Many of the visits included an all-school assembly, where CMU student-athletes share stories of perseverance and teamwork by connecting CMU core values—love, dignity, courage, humility, curiosity, resilience and power—to the values of the school they visit.
“Being part of the Where We Become Mavericks initiative has been incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Maverick Men’s Wrestling coach Mike Mendoza. “Watching our student-athletes connect and interact with these kids, share their own journeys and show them that college is attainable is powerful. It reminds us that the lessons we teach through athletics—hard work, resilience and teamwork—can make a real difference off the field as well.”
The Where We Become Mavericks initiative also involves student organizations like the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), which is led by team captains and team leaders from all NCAA athletic teams. SAAC initiated a Reading and Recess Buddies program at Orchard Avenue Elementary, and athletic teams rotated turns joining their reading or recess time every Tuesday and Thursday of the school year.
Both CMU and D51 have aligned goals to boost the quality of education and educational attainment rates that uplift Mesa County to state averages. Starting these conversations early in elementary schools, Where We Become Mavericks helps students see that higher education is within reach, and that being a Maverick is about more than athletic success. It’s about showing care for others, exploring with curiosity and growing stronger through challenges.
During one visit to Dos Rios Elementary last spring, Fifth Grade Teacher Mary Gholson expressed how important CMU’s student-athlete role models are to her students.
"They're able to see something beyond just their neighborhood. They're able to see that there are opportunities out there for them and all they have to do is go looking for them. It presents them with the opportunity to see what's there and to see some possibilities and that they can achieve that as well," said Gholson.
Such messages are especially important to prospective students from Mesa County. CMU supports over 50% first generation students, low-income, minority students who don’t always understand the resources available to them to succeed in post-secondary education, whether it be through a traditional four-year education, a trade certificate, or an associate degree through CMU Tech.
Since the launch of the Where We Become Mavericks initiative, ties between CMU and local schools have been strengthened, while reminding CMU’s student-athletes of the influence they can have beyond competition. Their involvement in the Grand Junction community uplifts those who need it most.
On January 31, the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams will take on UCCS at 1 and 3 pm. D51 students, parents and families are invited to watch the games in celebration of this joint initiative that uplifts Grand Junction’s education community. All attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite athletic team jersey for Jersey Night and will also have the opportunity to win a signed Nikola Jokić jersey.
For more information, visit coloradomesa.edu/tickets.