Rock Valley College Athletic Director, Darin Monroe, has been named a recipient of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletic Director of the Year Award, the organization announced. 

The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized leading up to and in conjunction with the 2023 NACDA Convention June 11-14 in Orlando, Florida. 

Since taking over as Athletic Director at Rock Valley College, the Golden Eagles have had unprecedented success under Darin Monroe. Monroe has been instrumental in the transition of Rock Valley College Athletics from NJCAA Division III to NJCAA Division II that began in the Fall of 2022.  

In the final season as NJCAA DIII, Rock Valley won National Championships in Men's Bowling, Women's Bowling, and Softball, had a National Runner-Up finish in Volleyball, Third Place finish in Men's Basketball, and were national qualifiers in Women's Basketball. Rock Valley College Athletics finished 14^th in the 2021-2022 Learfield Directors Cup Two-Year College Final Standings, the highest ever for Rock Valley. 

In Monroe's tenure as Athletic Director, 38 RVC student-athletes have been named NJCAA All-Americans, RVC coaches have won eight National Coach of the Year awards, and 12 Region 4 Coach of the Year honors. 

Monroe is an active member of the NJCAA, serving as an NJCAA Board of Regents member as the Region 4 representative and NJCAA Division II Oversight Committee Chair. In 2022, Monroe was recognized by the NJCAA as the prestigious Loyalty Award winner.  

Monroe's success does not only span across administrative duties.  He is also the Head Coach of the Rock Valley College softball program that in 2022 won an NJCAA record eighth consecutive National Championship.  And because of his success as both a Coach and Administrator, Monroe was inducted into the NJCAA Region 4 Hall of Fame in 2023 and will be inducted into the Rock Valley College Hall of Fame in December, 2023 as well. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT MONROE

"Darin has raised the bar of excellence in athletics on campus, in the conference and beyond our region. We RVCProud of his accomplishments." Dr. Howard Spearman-Rock Valley College President

"I have had the great pleasure of working with Coach Monroe for the past three years.  It is rare to find such a dedicated professional that holds himself, his fellow coaches, his student athletes and his campus community to such high standards of integrity and work ethic.  Every action and activity is done with purpose and with focus on excellence. We are RVC Proud of Coach Monroe and honored to have him as a member of the RVC family." Dr. Patrick Peyer- Rock Valley College Vice President of Student Affairs

"Darin is an excellent ambassador of collegiate athletics. As a member of the NJCAA Board of Regents while representing Region 4, he is a visionary whose work is always thorough and all encompassing. The level of professionalism of operations within his athletic department is a direct reflection of his leadership capabilities. It's no surprise that Rock Valley College athletics continues to achieve success." Arnie Chavera- Director of Athletics & Community Recreation Black Hawk College and Region IV Director

"Mr. Monroe's dedication and forward progress to his Rock Valley College's Athletic department goes unmatched! His dedication to make athletics at the NJCAA level and commitment on the national scene continues to not only hold athletics but also academics a very high standard! He is a true leader!" Chad Herren- Assistant Athletic Director Rock Valley College

"Darin pours his heart and soul into the Rock Valley College Athletic department. He goes above and beyond to make sure we know how much he supports our programs and we coach's individually." Darryl Watkins- Head Women's Basketball Coach

"Darin is such an impactful person. His drive for improvement and innovation continuously defines his surroundings, locally and nationally. Darin has this unique ability to where he is able to transform leadership from a position into an activity." Tim Romanello- Head Men's Soccer Coach