CLEVELAND, OH --- The National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC) announced Tuesday that one of its 2026 Rising Star Award winners is Allen University's Deslyn Haywood, Associate AD, Senior Compliance Administrator, and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). 

The Rising Star Award recognizes young compliance professionals who are emerging leaders within the compliance profession. Haywood will be recognized in person during the 2026 NAAC Convention taking place at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV, June 7-10.

"We are proud to recognize the exceptional group of 2026 NAAC Award winners! Their dedication, leadership, and impact continue to elevate our profession, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the 2026 NAAC Convention," said Hannah Delph, Membership and Awards Committee Chair and Assistant AD for Compliance at USF. "The NAAC Board and Awards Committee also sincerely thank our members for submitting such outstanding and well-deserved nominations."

Haywood oversees eligibility, financial aid monitoring, rules education, and student-athlete welfare while advising the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC), and supporting multiple programs. She has played a key leadership role in the university's transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, earning the institution's highest prestigious Top-Hat Award. With more than 15 years of experience in financial aid and higher education, Haywood is known for building a strong culture of compliance across the department. Her previous roles include time at Benedict College, where she was named Outstanding Administrator of the Year. A former three-sport student-athlete at Voorhees College and international competitor for the U.S. Virgin Islands National Basketball Teams, she holds degrees in mathematics and business administration, an MBA, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in sport and athletic management.

NAAC serves as the professional and educational association of compliance administrators. For more information on NAAC, please visit www.naaccompliance.com. NAAC is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61^st year. For more information on NACDA, the 19 professional associations, and/or four foundations it manages, please visit www.nacda.com.