WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace College Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe has been named the 2026 Crossroads League Athletic Director of the Year, marking the sixth time he has received the honor and setting a new league record.
The award is voted on annually by the conference's athletic directors, recognizing outstanding leadership and service among the Crossroads League's administrators. His leadership has helped position Grace Athletics as one of the nation's most respected Christian collegiate athletic departments, with sustained success in competition, academics and student-athlete development.
"I am humbled to receive this recognition from my peers," Briscoe said. "This honor is truly a reflection of our coaches, student-athletes and the leadership at Grace College. Their commitment to pursuing excellence while honoring Christ is what makes Grace Athletics special. I am grateful to serve alongside such outstanding athletic directors throughout the Crossroads League, whose friendship and leadership continue to strengthen our conference."
The 2025-26 academic year was another milestone season for Grace Athletics under Briscoe's leadership.
Briscoe concluded his tenure as president of the NCCAA while also serving as the past president of the NAIA's National Administrative Council. He has served on the NAIA men's basketball national selection committee since its inception. Additionally, he was honored as the NACDA - NAIA A.D. of the Year during the annual convention in Las Vegas this summer.
This spring he was selected as an NAIA representative to serve on the NACDA Executive Committee, beginning a four-year term. He also currently serves as the AD Vice-Chair for the Crossroads League.
He has helped Grace reach #KingChasing institution status from the NCCAA and Gold Star Champions of Character status from the NAIA.
Grace also continued to invest in the student-athlete experience through several significant facility projects. In the fall, new team rooms were unveiled for the softball, men's soccer and women's soccer programs. In the spring, the department officially completed the baseball stadium at Tom Roy – UPI Park, providing one of the premier baseball venues in the Crossroads League.
Briscoe was also named the league's A.D. of the Year in 2010, 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2025.
Additionally, Briscoe annually brings in multiple Sportsmanship Summits to Grace's campus, helping area high schools learn about character-building opportunities through athletics.
"Chad's leadership has helped make Grace Athletics one of the premier Christ-centered athletic departments," said Grace's president Dr. Drew Flamm. "The recognition reflects the culture of excellence, integrity and servant leadership that Chad has cultivated. This record sixth Crossroads League Athletic Director of the Year award is a fitting honor for someone who has faithfully invested in the lives of our students, coaches and the broader athletics community."
