MYSTIC, Conn. – For the first time in program history, the Vermont Catamounts have claimed the Stuart P. Haskell Commissioner's Cup trophy that is awarded annually to the most successful school in America East competition. The announcement was made Tuesday evening by Commissioner Brad Walker during the conference's annual meetings in Connecticut.
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"At a time when college athletics is undergoing significant change, I'm incredibly proud that our student-athletes have achieved historic levels of competitive success while continuing to represent the very best of college athletics in the classroom, on campus, and throughout our community," said UVM President Marlene Tromp. "Our athletics program reflects the character and commitment of UVM and our Vermont community, and achieving the Commissioner's Cup is a win for us all."
Vermont won the title with 320 points edging out UMBC by two points in one of the closest races in conference history. The Catamounts won two America East titles in women's basketball and men's soccer and four regular season titles in women's lacrosse, field hockey, women's basketball and men's soccer. In field hockey and women's lacrosse it was the first-time in program history winning the regular season title. In addition, it was the first time Vermont has reached the America East Championship game in all seven team sports the Catamounts compete in (M/W Soccer, Field Hockey, M/W Lacrosse, M/W Basketball). The Catamounts are the first team in league history to claim the Commissioner's Cup while sponsoring just 14 of the league's 18 sports.
"This is another very proud moment for UVM Athletics as we celebrate an exceptional year in Catamount Country," said Director of Athletics
Jeff Schulman. "What makes this award especially meaningful is that it recognizes the collective efforts of our entire department—our student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, performance staff, and so many others whose dedication drives our success every day. The Commissioner's Cup is a testament to the strength of our culture and the commitment of everyone who wears the Green and Gold. We're honored to be recognized for our collective success and excited to continue building on this momentum."
The scoring system for the Stuart P. Haskell, Jr. Commissioner's Cup is as follows: In sports where regular-season round robin competition is conducted, the first-place institution in the final standings receives four points times the total number of teams involved in conference play. The second-place institution receives four less points; third place receives eight less points, and so on. Additionally, the America East (tournament) champion receives two points times the total number of teams participating in the championship. The second-place institution receives two less points; third place receives four less points and so on down to the last-place institution which receives two points.
In sports where regular-season round robin competition is not conducted (cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field, swimming & diving), the first-place institution at the America East championship receives two points times the total number of teams participating in the championship. The second-place institution receives two less points; third place gets four less points and so on down to the last place team which receives two points.
2025-26 Stuart P. Haskell Commissioner's Cup Final Standings
- Vermont – 320 Pts
- UMBC – 318 Pts
- Bryant – 308 Pts
- Binghamton – 285 Pts
- UAlbany – 277 Pts
- UMass Lowell – 232 Pts
- Maine – 214 Pts
- New Hampshire – 186 Pts
- NJIT – 140 Pts
