Fran Reidy, former Vice President and Director of Athletics at Saint Leo University, was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Retiring in August 2023 after over 35 years of service, Reidy transformed the athletics program, leading the Lions to 30 Sunshine State Conference championships and two national titles. His tenure also saw a dramatic improvement in team performance, culminating in a second-place finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup Top 10 for NCAA Division II in 2015-16. Additionally, Reidy received multiple accolades for his contributions, including the D2 ADA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025 and three NACDA Athletics Director of the Year awards.

By the Numbers
  • 30 Sunshine State Conference championships won under Reidy's leadership.
  • 2 national championships secured during his tenure as director of athletics.
  • 125 NCAA Division II championship appearances made by the Lions.
Yes, But

Despite these accomplishments, the program initially struggled before Reidy took the helm, enduring nearly 30 years without a conference title. This highlights the significant turnaround he achieved during his leadership.

State of Play
  • Reidy's legacy includes establishing a competitive athletics program that evolved into one of the top contenders in NCAA Division II.
  • The Lions' recognition with several awards and honors signals their prominence in collegiate sports.
What's Next

As Reidy enters the Hall of Fame, it sets a benchmark for future athletics directors at Saint Leo University and inspires ongoing commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics.

Bottom Line

Fran Reidy’s induction into the NACDA Hall of Fame underscores the transformative impact of dedicated leadership in college athletics, exemplifying how strategic vision can elevate a struggling program into a powerhouse.