MARSHALL, Texas – It was a banner year for East Texas Baptist University athletics as they recorded their highest finish in the NCAA Division III Learfield Directors' Cup at 70th. They are the top American Southwest Conference school in 2024-25 rankings, finishing with 289.00 points. Finishing 70th, they are in the top 20 percent of programs in NCAA Division III and the second best NCAA Division III program in Texas. 
 
"This historic finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup is a true testament to the incredible dedication, talent, and perseverance of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff. Reaching the highest ranking in school history reflects the growth and strength of our entire athletics program," Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said.  "We are proud of this achievement and even more motivated to continue building on this momentum." 
 
ETBU participated in six NCAA Division III Tournaments, advancing to at least the second round or winning a game in four appearances. Volleyball, women's basketball, men's tennis, women's tennis, baseball, and softball made it to the NCAA Tournament and won an ASC Championship Tournament.
 
Volleyball advanced to the second round after winning their first-round game over Alleghany (Pa.). Women's tennis also made the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a win over Edgewood (Wis.). Softball hosted and won the Regional Championship, playing in the Super Regional. Baseball finished in the Regional Championship game while also hosting the tournament. Women's basketball hosted the first and second rounds in Ornelas Gym, while men's tennis played in the first round in California.  
 
Last year, ETBU collected 214 points for 93^rd, the second-best finish in the ASC behind Texas-Dallas (80th). It also marked the first time ETBU was in the top 100. ETBU's 70th-place finish is the eighth-best overall in the ASC's history and the highest since 2002, when UMHB was 54th. Texas Tyler had the highest finish in 2015 in 16^th.
 
ETBU has jumped from 175th to 70th in the rankings in the past four years. The Tigers scored 92.5 points in 2022, 170.5 points in 2023 (103^rd), and 214 points in 2024 (93^rd). It is the second year for ETBU to post over 200 points, and the sixth time with 100+ points.
 
Following ETBU in the Learfield Directors' Cup in the ASC are Mary Hardin-Baylor (106^th), Hardin-Simmons (115^th), and LeTourneau (231^st).