HIALEAH, Fla. (July 8, 2024) – Florida National’s Ryan Raposo was named the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Athletics Director of the Year following an exceptional campaign for the Conquistadors in 2023-24.
Under Raposo, Florida National had six teams advance to NAIA nationals and three teams earned runner-up honors at CAC Championships this season. The Miami native has served as FNU’s director of athletics since March 2020 and led three cross country runners to qualify for NAIA nationals in 2023 as interim head coach. Raposo also helped hurdler Joelle Baptiste become the first female Conquistador qualifier to the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in May 2024 after taking over coaching duties in late March.
On a department scale, Raposo pushed FNU to a Gold Level designation in the NAIA’s Champions of Character Institution Awards over the past two years.
CAC Commissioner Meg Schebler said in the CAC’s release, “This is a well-deserved honor for Ryan as he has done an outstanding job at Florida National University. He has positioned their athletics programs well and has them on the cusp of championship status in our conference. He is very intentional in his efforts to lead the Conquistadors, with the Champions of Character values at the forefront. Ryan has been a positive presence while serving on the CAC Executive Committee as well, providing support and feedback in our league’s operations.”
Raposo has a Master’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Florida with a specialization in Athlete Performance and Development. He is a certified Athlete Development Specialist (PAADS) and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University.
With this honor, Raposo is now eligible for NAIA national honors along with other conference nominees.
The CAC has 12 member institutions and is committed to promoting the education, development and welfare of student-athletes.
For the full release from the CAC, click here.
