Our Lady of the Lake, Texas A&M-San Antonio share 2025-26 RRAC Sportsmanship Award

WACO, Texas -- There must be something about the people in San Antonio that makes them so hospitable and such good sports in competition. The RRAC announced that two schools located in the Alamo City - Our Lady of the Lake University and Texas A&M University-San Antonio -- have been named co-recipients of the 2025-26 RRAC Sportsmanship Award.

The RRAC Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to the member institution that exemplifies the highest level of sportsmanship throughout its athletic program during the academic year. Criteria for the award include teamwork, fair play, respect for the game, and conduct in competition. A school's sportsmanship must be evident across multiple sports, both on and off the field, and in interactions with other RRAC member institutions. The award is determined through voting by the RRAC athletic directors.

The recognition marks another milestone for both athletic departments, which have consistently demonstrated leadership and integrity throughout the conference season.

"Our Lady of the Lake earning the conference Sportsmanship Award is a tremendous honor and a true reflection of the culture our student-athletes, coaches, and staff have built together," says OLLU athletic director Tom Norris. "This recognition goes far beyond wins and losses — it speaks to the respect, integrity, humility, and competitive spirit our teams display every time they represent the university. We are incredibly proud of the way our athletes compete with passion while showing class and sportsmanship toward opponents, officials, and the entire community. This award is a testament to the character of our program and the values that define OLLU athletics."

"At Texas A&M University-San Antonio, we believe how we treat others matters just as much as the final score," says A&M-San Antonio athletic director Darnell Smith. "We strive to lead with integrity, respect, humility, and a servant heart while creating a game-day atmosphere where every student-athlete, coach, fan, official, and visiting program feels genuinely welcomed and valued. Our goal is simple: to make every visit to A&M-San Antonio memorable, meaningful, and an experience worth returning for. We are truly honored to receive this award and deeply grateful to be held in such high regard by our conference colleagues."

Both institutions were recognized for fostering a culture of respect, hospitality, and competitive excellence throughout the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting the RRAC's ongoing commitment to character and sportsmanship in collegiate athletics.