University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Athletics Marketing Team Earns National Recognition at NACMA
6/23/2026 11:23:00 AM | Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware Department of Athletics & Campus Recreation was nationally recognized for its innovation, creativity, and impact by earning three NACMA Best of Awards and an honorable mention at the 2026 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) Convention in Las Vegas on June 7-10.
"I'm incredibly proUD of our team for continuing to find new ways to be collaborative and creative to help elevate the Fightin' Blue Hens," Senior Associate AD, External Relations Nick LaMarca said. "All of our external units have seized the moment in our transition to FBS to highlight Delaware in ways we haven't been able to in the past."
Competing in group 1, the association's highest division consisting of FBS institutions and the nation's largest athletic departments, for the first time following the university's transition to the FBS level, Delaware received Bronze Awards in the following categories:
- Sport Specific Brand Campaign – First State. First Season. A New Era.
- Sponsorship Campaign – Delaware Athletics x Athletes Thread
- Fundraising Campaign – 302 for the 302 Campaign
The awards recognize the collaborative efforts of Delaware's external team, including communications, creative services, development, licensing, sponsorship, ticket sales and service, video, and campus partners, who work together to elevate the Fightin' Blue Hen brand and enhance the fan experience.
The award-winning initiatives highlighted several key areas of success for Delaware during the 2025-26 academic year. First State. First Season. A New Era. served as the brand platform for Delaware football's historic first season at the FBS level and transition into Conference USA.
The department's partnership with Athletes Thread established a first-of-its-kind NIL sponsorship model that generated significant revenue while creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
The 302 for the 302 fundraising campaign connected Delaware pride with philanthropy, resulting in record-setting donor participation and support for Blue Hen athletics.
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