Colorado University Athletics
CU’s Fernando Lovo Named One of Country’s Top Athletic Directors
June 01, 2026 | General
With just five months as Director of Athletics under his belt, Colorado's Fernando Lovo is already garnering national recognition. Silver Waves Media has named Lovo one of their top Athletic Directors in America, as selected by a committee of approximately 20 people that includes search firm representatives, other Athletic Directors, and industry professionals.
Those who made the list were selected for their exceptional leadership, vision, and a dedication to elevating the student-athlete experience. According to Silver Waves Media, whether overseeing established athletic departments or building programs from the ground up, those selected as top ADs in America play a critical role in shaping the culture, success, and future of athletics within their schools and communities. Through innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, they continue to set the standard for athletic leadership while creating lasting opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
Under Lovo's stewardship, CU Athletics has already recorded a number of superlatives in a short period of time. The Buffs set a record in the classroom by earning their highest Spring semester GPA in history with a mark of 3.275 with 27 student-athletes recording a 4.0. In competition, the women's lacrosse team reached the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, taking eventual national champion Northwestern to the wire on their home field before succumbing in double-overtime. Lovo has also been busy locking down some of the department's most successful coaches, signing women's basketball coach J.R. Payne, women's soccer coach Danny Sanchez, and head ski coach Jana Weinberger to contract extensions.
Those who made the list were selected for their exceptional leadership, vision, and a dedication to elevating the student-athlete experience. According to Silver Waves Media, whether overseeing established athletic departments or building programs from the ground up, those selected as top ADs in America play a critical role in shaping the culture, success, and future of athletics within their schools and communities. Through innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, they continue to set the standard for athletic leadership while creating lasting opportunities for the next generation of athletes.
Under Lovo's stewardship, CU Athletics has already recorded a number of superlatives in a short period of time. The Buffs set a record in the classroom by earning their highest Spring semester GPA in history with a mark of 3.275 with 27 student-athletes recording a 4.0. In competition, the women's lacrosse team reached the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, taking eventual national champion Northwestern to the wire on their home field before succumbing in double-overtime. Lovo has also been busy locking down some of the department's most successful coaches, signing women's basketball coach J.R. Payne, women's soccer coach Danny Sanchez, and head ski coach Jana Weinberger to contract extensions.
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