2026 NJCAA National Championship Host Site of the Year Award

National Championship Host Site of the Year Award 

The National Championship Host Site of the Year Award is given annually to the NJCAA Championship host site that has exhibited strong commitment to providing an outstanding championship experience to student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff members, and fans of the NJCAA. Student-athlete, coach, administrator, and sport chair survey data is utilized as one key component on naming the awardee. Additionally, national office staff who have attended the championship provide feedback. 

Herkimer County Community College (NY) 

Herkimer County Community College hosted three NJCAA national championships in the most recent spring, fall, and winter cycle: 2025 DIII Softball World Series, 2025 DIII Men's & Women's Soccer Championships, and the 2026 DIII Men's Basketball Championship. 

The softball tournament faced significant thunderstorm difficulties, forcing some games to be spontaneously moved to another site, which the Herkimer host group handled swiftly. The tournament staff was working tirelessly in late hours of the night to coordinate all of the changes and provide the best solution for the student-athletes. Weather was a challenge at the soccer championships due to substantial amounts of snow covering the field and actively falling during games. After postponing a full day of competition due to unsafe conditions, Herkimer's leadership produced a solution to keep the tournament on schedule with some games hosted at another facility. The men's basketball tournament faced a surprise power outage during a game, affecting the entire city. With no control over the power situation, the staff at Herkimer worked closely with the NJCAA Coordinator of Officials and championship staff to properly continue the game once it was safe to do so. 

"Donnie and his team at Herkimer annually provide an outstanding student-athlete experience for our Division III Championships on their campus," NJCAA VP for Championships, Membership, and Sports Governance, Brett Monaghan, said. "From hosting softball, to soccer, to basketball, the Herkimer team, regardless of any challenges that come up, always exhibits the true championship spirit of the NJCAA. From heavy thunderstorms at last year's softball championship, to winter storms at this fall's soccer championship, to a power outage at this year's men's basketball championship, Donnie and his team always find a way to assist our office in ensuring we get the events in and the experience for everyone involved." 

For all 2026 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2025-26 NJCAA Honors Announced

For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home