LATHAM, N.Y. – The United East has announced St. Mary’s College of Maryland as the winner of the 2025–26 Presidents’ Cup Trophy, as well as its Top Overall Women’s Program. Penn State Harrisburg was tabbed the winner of the Top Overall Men’s Athletic Program Award.
The Presidents’ Cup is determined by a scoring system that rewards schools for success during both regular-season and postseason competition.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Seahawks sit atop the Presidents’ Cup standings while also securing their third straight Top Overall Women’s Athletic Program Award.
St. Mary’s (MD) enjoyed a tremendous 2025–26 season, winning 11 conference titles and seeing 15 of its 17 sports place in the top four at the conference championships. During the first fall championship weekend, the Seahawks captured their fifth consecutive women’s cross country championship. They then raised their third straight field hockey banner before closing the fall season by winning the program’s first-ever women’s volleyball championship.
In the winter, St. Mary’s (MD) won its first United East women’s basketball championship, returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. The Seahawks also ruled the indoor track, winning both the men’s and women’s indoor track & field championships for the first time in program history. That momentum continued into the spring, where the Seahawks maintained their dominance in lacrosse, collecting both the men’s and women’s titles for the fifth straight season. St. Mary’s (MD) also swept the outdoor track & field championships, winning a combined 21 individual conference titles, before concluding the year by capturing the women’s tennis title.
"This has been a remarkable year for our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire College community," said Donny Bryan '73, interim vice president for athletics. "These accomplishments reflect not only competitive excellence, but the character, discipline, and academic commitment that define St. Mary's College."
St. Mary’s (MD) was incredibly impressive in women’s sports, winning eight of the nine championships they participated in, with their only second-place finish occurring in women’s soccer.
“I am immensely proud of everyone who contributes to the success of our women’s athletic programs,” said St. Mary's (MD) Director of Communications and Senior Women Administrator (SWA) Nairem Moran, fifth-year director of athletic communications and senior woman administrator. “Earning this honor for a third consecutive year reflects the relentless work ethic, resilience, and passion our student-athletes, coaches, and staff bring each day. Their commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, is what makes this achievement so meaningful.”
On the men’s side, Penn State Harrisburg earned the top spot for the second consecutive season. The Lions won four of the eight men’s championships they participated in, including men’s soccer, men’s basketball, baseball, and men’s tennis. Harrisburg finished in the top two of the conference in seven of their eight sports.
"This recognition reflects the commitment our student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff demonstrate every day," said Rahsaan Carlton, athletic director at Penn State Harrisburg. "Their dedication to competing at a high level while representing Penn State Harrisburg with pride has made this achievement possible. We're grateful for the continued support from our campus community, and we're excited to celebrate the success of our men's programs across the 2025-26 academic year."
Harrisburg took second in the overall standings, winning six conference championships total, including women’s soccer and the inaugural women’s flag football championship. Lancaster Bible College finished third in the standings, collecting the men’s volleyball title. Penn College finished in fourth place, capturing the men’s golf championship for the fourth time in a row. Wilson College was the biggest riser from last year’s standings, surging eight spots to finish in sixth overall.
Final Standings
- St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- Penn State Harrisburg
- Lancaster Bible College
- Penn College
- Penn State Abington
- Wilson College
- Penn State Berks
- Cairn University
- Penn State Brandywine
- Notre Dame of Maryland
- Cedar Crest College
- Gallaudet University
- University of Valley Forge
- Keystone College
Catch the full breakdown of both the Presidents’ Cup as well as the men’s and women’s standings here: 2025-26 Presidents’ Cup Breakdown
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The United East boasts 14 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.