Athletic & Scholarship Programs Announce New Name: Naval Academy Athletic Foundation

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation's Athletic & Scholarship Programs (A&SP) transitioned to a new name—now the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation—at the organization's spring meeting held at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 10 April.

Annapolis, MD (13 April 2026) –  The Athletic Foundation arrived at the new name after months of thoughtful work by its internal branding committee, and with the support of the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and the Naval Academy Athletic Association. The new name more clearly reflects the organization’s purpose of inspiring philanthropic support for the physical mission in direct service of leadership development through prep‑school scholarships and athletic excellence.

Rooted in the same mission, the new name reinforces the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation’s strength and momentum: to provide leadership, need‑based funding, guidance and mentoring to all Foundation Preparatory School students; to provide needed private funding in support of all USNA varsity, club and intramural sports teams through The Fund for Athletic Excellence; and to remain a highly respected organization in support of the physical mission of USNA.

Through the Athletic Foundation Trustees, support extends to exceptional coaches and facilities across all sports, including club and intramural programs, while also creating opportunities for young athletes who benefit from an additional year of academic preparation.

“All of this takes Navy athletics from good to great,” said Naval Academy Athletic Foundation Chairman Admiral Bill Moran ’81, USN (Ret.). “With the largest field of Division I sports in the country, the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation touches each of them, helping elevate the overall Navy athletics experience. This success is made possible by the extraordinary contributions of our alumni and supporters, whose commitment allows us to build not just strong programs, but the best overall athletic program in the nation.”

Aligned with our “expect to win” mentality, near‑term investments will advance excellence on the field, in the classroom and beyond. Key priorities such as nutrition, medical and athletic training, and sports psychology will ensure Naval Academy athletes remain nationally competitive and mission‑focused on leadership development.

With unwavering dedication to the physical mission of USNA, the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation will continue to develop strength, resilience and character to prepare the Midshipmen of today to become the leaders of the Fleet and Marine Corps tomorrow.

Sing Second Podcast introducing the new Naval Academy Athletic Foundation wITH
Adm Bill Moran ‘81 & Becky Haase ‘94

Driving Potential Through Athletics

It is an incredible time for the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Thanks to your generosity, we are making great strides to meet the emerging needs across the mental, moral, and physical mission of the Academy—developing each midshipman to serve confidently upon graduation. Your efforts enable us to create new and exciting opportunities while strengthening our leadership, sustaining our physical campus and cultivating our community.

MAKE A GIFT

RHUMBLINES: LEARNING ABOUT A&SP

FUNDS THE FUTURE OF NAVY ATHLETICS-ON AND OFF THE FIELD

ATHLETIC SUPPORT

Each year, the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation provides over $4.05 million in direct support for all types of athletic activities at the USNA. This includes extensive financial support to not only the 36 varsity teams but also the many club and intramural teams as well as to the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Through a need-based scholastic program, the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation provides one year of post-high school education to qualified young men and women who need further academic preparation before they enter the Naval Academy. Naval Academy Athletic Foundation has sponsored more than 4,000 candidates to date who have graduated from USNA.

PHYSICAL MISSION

The Naval Academy Athletic Foundation has provided significant funding and support to the Naval Academy and the Physical Mission for over 82 years (since 1944). The impact on the Brigade, USNA facilities, athletics and scholarship programs continues to be significant.

OUR IMPACT

The USNA Admissions Board recommends students to the Foundation (Naval Academy Athletic Foundation). Naval Academy Athletic Foundation currently sponsors up to 50 candidates for one year of post-high school study at 12 civilian and 4 military preparatory schools. The military schools are junior colleges. It is up to the accepted candidates to choose the schools they would most like to attend. Candidates recommended to the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation by USNA Admissions include men and women, athletes and non-athletes and students from varied backgrounds.

In 2025, the Naval Academy Athletic Foundation through the Fund for Athletic Excellence helped provide more than $6 million in direct support to the 36 varsity teams, the many club and intramural teams and the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI.

Navavl Academy Athletic Foundation has provided significant funding and support to the United States Naval Academy and the Physical Mission for over 82 years (since 1944). The impact on the Brigade, USNA facilities, athletics and scholarship programs continues to be significant.