Rock Hill, SC — Riverwalk Academy is proud to announce that its athletic program has received the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Quality Program Award (QPA), one of the highest national recognitions for excellence in interscholastic athletic administration. With this achievement, Riverwalk Academy becomes only the second high school in South Carolina—across all classifications (1A–5A)—to earn this distinction. The award was earned under the leadership of Athletic Director Richard Ball, who guided the program through a rigorous, comprehensive assessment process.
The NIAAA Quality Program Award recognizes athletic programs that demonstrate excellence across a comprehensive set of standards and best practices in education-based athletics. Through the Quality Program Assessment (QPA) process, athletic departments compile and submit evidence-based documentation across ten categories, including philosophy, safety and risk management, communication, budget and fundraising, technology, sports medicine, and innovative leadership. Programs must meet strict eligibility requirements, maintain active NIAAA membership, complete professional development coursework, and earn at least 80% of available points in each category to achieve this recognition.
Receiving the Quality Program Award signifies that Riverwalk Academy not only meets but exceeds nationally recognized standards for exemplary athletic programs. Benefits of QPA recognition include affirmation of the educational value of athletics, strengthened justification for resources and budgeting, increased community confidence and pride, and professional acknowledgment at both the state and national levels.
“We are honored to be recognized with the NIAAA Quality Program Award,” said Richard Ball, Athletic Director at Riverwalk Academy. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and community partners. It reinforces our commitment to providing a positive, safe, and educational athletic experience for all.”
The NIAAA is the national professional organization for interscholastic athletic administrators and supports the development of high-quality athletic programs through professional education, leadership training, and national recognition initiatives such as the Quality Program Award.
For more information about the NIAAA Quality Program Award, visit niaaa.org/quality-program-assessment.