AWARD WINNERS
SANDY BARBOUR NIKE DI FBS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
DR. LISA CAMPOS
“It's truly gratifying that I get to lead and serve an incredible group of student-athletes, coaches and staff at UTSA each and every day. I’m extremely grateful for the support of our president, Dr. Taylor Eighmy, and our university leadership. There is so much positive momentum for our university and athletics department, and this honor is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone who touches and is a part of UTSA Athletics.”
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, UTSA Athletics
Introduced as UTSA’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletics Director on Nov. 17, 2017, Dr. Lisa Campos has made an immediate and positive impact on the athletics department, university and community during her time in San Antonio. A 2025-26 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year honoree and a finalist for the 2022 Sports Business Journal’s Athletic Director of the Year, she has elevated UTSA Athletics to new heights during her tenure.
NELL JACKSON NIKE EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
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Introduced as UTSA’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletics Director on Nov. 17, 2017, Dr. Lisa Campos has made an immediate and positive impact on the athletics department, university and community during her time in San Antonio. A 2025-26 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year honoree and a finalist for the 2022 Sports Business Journal’s Athletic Director of the Year, she has elevated UTSA Athletics to new heights during her tenure.
One of Campos’ first tasks upon her hiring was to develop and implement a new strategic plan for the future of UTSA Athletics and align with UTSA President Taylor Eighmy’s vision and strategic initiatives for the university. She introduced the Roadrunner Game Plan, which utilizes three winning values — Excellence, Integrity and Unity — to focus on developing and enhancing the student-athlete experience, creating a culture of excellence, developing resources and uniting the community. The plan’s emphasis to develop champions in the classroom, in competition and in life has been evident during her tenure.
UTSA student-athletes have set numerous department records for academic success including achieving a department-record 92% graduation success rate in the most recent report and consistently recording a department GPA above 3.0. The department’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) success has been equally impressive during her time in San Antonio, as UTSA sports programs have registered a combined 33 1,000 single-year APRs over the past four reports. Additionally, UTSA boasts eight Academic All-Americans and over 100 academic all-district selections, as well as nearly 400 American Conference All-Academic Team selections since joining the league in 2023 after collecting nearly 300 Conference USA Commissioner’s academic medals and more than 1,000 CUSA Honor Roll certificates over her first five years leading the department.
Under her leadership, UTSA has produced nearly 40 All-Americans, more than 300 all-conference selections, over 50 individual conference crowns and 11 team league championships.
In 2024-25, the women’s basketball team captured the American Conference Regular Season Championship while the baseball program also claimed the league’s regular season crown and won the NCAA Austin Regional to advance to the NCAA Super Regional round, finishing in a tie for ninth place nationally for the top national finish by any team in school history.
In 2025-26, the soccer and women’s basketball programs raced through their respective conference tournaments to claim trophies and earn NCAA postseason bids, while the baseball team collected its second straight regular season conference crown, giving UTSA five league titles over a two-year span.
In June 2021, Campos’ forward-thinking approach guided UTSA to become one of the first institutions to introduce an educational and life skills program in anticipation of now-implemented NCAA and state legislation related to name, image and likeness (NIL) activities. Runners Go Bold is a comprehensive program providing student-athletes with the knowledge and skills to build their personal brands and financial acumen. In 2024, she oversaw the launch of Runners United, a comprehensive NIL initiative designed to benefit student-athletes across all UTSA sports programs.
Campos also worked closely with the Roadrunner Foundation and colleagues on campus to guide one of the most ambitious projects in the history of UTSA Athletics — the development of the new state-of-the-art Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence (RACE), which opened in August 2021. The facility serves as the central hub for UTSA Athletics and promotes the academic success, health, wellness and performance of student-athletes.
In 2022 under Campos’ direction, TPC San Antonio became the official home of the UTSA men’s and women’s golf teams. The resort houses two championship-level golf courses, study halls and team rooms for both programs, as well as The Learning Center, an instructional building equipped with the latest golf technology.
In 2023, Park West Fieldhouse opened its doors to serve UTSA soccer and track & field student-athletes, as well as the San Antonio and Bexar County communities. The building features an athletic training room, locker rooms, team areas, a large multipurpose space and an equipment room.
In 2024, Campos announced a $57 million Bold Champions facilities and capital investment initiative — thanks to strong institutional support, fundraising efforts and newly identified financial opportunities — into facilities and capital projects. In early 2025, construction began on the Basketball and Volleyball Training Facility, a 53,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located adjacent to RACE. Future facility projects that have been announced include player development centers for both baseball and softball, enhancements to fan amenities at the baseball facility, a nutrition performance center for all student-athletes and a covered football pavilion.
Campos has overseen the highest fundraising year in UTSA Athletics history, while also achieving the highest back-to-back fundraising years in department history. She also engineered a balanced 2020 fiscal year budget despite a major loss of revenue resulting from the pandemic.
Campos has overseen the implementation of the Roadrunner Leadership and Professional Development Academy, which offers personal wellness, freshman transition and career development workshops to UTSA’s 350-plus student-athletes.
Under Campos’ leadership, UTSA Athletics has increased its brand presence and awareness in San Antonio and extended its community service initiatives. That outreach has helped UTSA set numerous home attendance records for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball contests over the past several years.
The 2024 Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Promise Award recipient, Campos served as a panelist for the 2018 Greater San Antonio Women in Leadership Symposium, and she was instrumental in UTSA’s role as host institution for the 2018 and 2025 Men’s Final Fours and 2021 Women’s Final Four.
Nationally, Campos was appointed in August 2024 to a four-year term on the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee. Campos has represented UTSA on a number of national committees, including a recent term on the NCAA Division I Council, a high-level group responsible for the day-to-day decisions that impact NCAA Division I athletics. She also served as chair of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee and on the board of the LEAD1 Association, a membership organization that represents the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision athletics directors.
Campos also has served as chair of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Committee and has been a member of the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee, NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet and NCAA Rifle Committee.
Campos came to UTSA after five years as the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she led the athletics department through a rebrand and transformed it into one of the Big Sky Conference’s premier programs.
During her time in Flagstaff, NAU captured 32 Big Sky and Western Athletic Conference championships and nine teams advanced to NCAA postseason competition, including the first NCAA Division I Championship in school history by the men’s cross country team in 2016.
Under her leadership, the Lumberjacks collected two Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Cup trophies for overall excellence in competition and in the classroom. The Lumberjacks’ athletic achievements led to the men’s programs winning the Big Sky All-Sports Trophy four consecutive times from 2014-17. The women’s teams captured the trophy in 2014 and 2017.
In the 2016-17 academic year, NAU won eight conference championships and swept the Big Sky All-Sports Trophies for the second time under Campos’ guidance.
When Campos was named Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at NAU, she became one of 26 females and the youngest in the country to lead a Division I program at the time of her hire. In Spring 2017, she was recognized by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.
Prior to her time at NAU, Campos was an associate athletics director (2003-06) and senior associate athletics director (2006-12) at UTEP after serving as the university’s assistant dean of students from 2001-03.
During her time in El Paso, she cultivated several significant gifts to the program and oversaw a multimillion-dollar budget. Campos also served as sport administrator for the men’s and women’s cross country, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s and women’s track & field programs. Campos also was the primary administrator for compliance, CHAMPS/Life Skills, strength and conditioning, sports medicine and cheerleading.
Besides serving on a number of NCAA committees while at UTEP, Campos also was a member of the Conference USA Joint Group and served on the Senior Woman Administrator administrative group. In 2005-06, when UTEP joined Conference USA, she served on the CUSA Strategic Planning Committee and assisted in the development of the realigned Conference USA’s vision, core values, mission and strategic objectives. She also represented UTEP on conference committees, including the budget subcommittee, legislative committee, championships selection committee and various sport committees.
Campos earned both her bachelor’s degree in business administration and her master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Colorado State. She holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from UTEP.
She and her husband, Darren D’Attilio, have a son, Christopher.
SAM RAPOPORT
Founder, NFL Women's Forum, NFL
“I am humbled to receive this award and am indebted to Women Leaders in Sports for its contribution to this important effort. The most rewarding part of my work has always been watching talented women coaches and scouts earn opportunities they’ve long deserved. Their success is the real achievement, and I’m honored to stand alongside them."
Sam Rapoport is a globally recognized, 10-time award-winning sports executive and one of the most influential voices in professional football today. As a pioneering force behind the NFL’s gender equity movement, she has redefined what’s possible in a legacy sport—transforming the league’s culture and opening doors for women across the globe. With over 20 years at the intersection of football and innovation, Sam has become a household name in the industry.
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Sam Rapoport is a globally recognized, 10-time award-winning sports executive and one of the most influential voices in professional football today. As a pioneering force behind the NFL’s gender equity movement, she has redefined what’s possible in a legacy sport—transforming the league’s culture and opening doors for women across the globe.
With over 20 years at the intersection of football and innovation, Sam has become a household name in the industry. She has been honored by People Magazine as one of the “25 Women Changing the World,” named to Fortune’s 40 Under 40, and listed among Sports Illustrated’s Most Powerful Women in Sports. A recipient of the Sports Business Journal Game Changer Award, Sam's impact has been spotlighted by The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, CNN Money, and The Pat McAfee Show.
Her keynote speeches—equal parts fire and framework—reveal how the NFL turned intention into action to accelerate real change. Bold, dynamic, and deeply personal, Sam delivers tangible strategies for disrupting systems, shifting culture, and building inclusive teams that win.
A former elite tackle and flag football quarterback, Sam is also a proud LGBTQ+ trailblazer, living just outside New York City with her wife and two children.
NIKE EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR
Director of Athletics, Grand Valley State University
KERI M. BECKER
Keri Becker has spent her entire career in intercollegiate athletics spanning almost 30 years. She is currently in her tenth year as the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State. Becker’s career has always been on a college campus. She began her journey in 1990 as a softball student-athlete at Saginaw Valley State University, moved into the head softball coaching position in 1996 at yet another rival school, Ferris State University, where she stayed for 15 years. In 2011, GVSU brought her on board as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator.
“Receiving these types of awards is often a reflection of what happened yesterday, yet it inspires me to do more, do better, and keep grinding to give our team a chance at achieving the highest levels of success tomorrow.” #ForTheValley
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Keri Becker has spent her entire career in intercollegiate athletics spanning almost 30 years. She is currently in her tenth year as the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State. Becker’s career has always been on a college campus. She began her journey in 1990 as a softball student-athlete at Saginaw Valley State University, moved into the head softball coaching position in 1996 at yet another rival school, Ferris State University, where she stayed for 15 years. In 2011, GVSU brought her on board as the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator.
Grand Valley State has continued its dominance at the Division II level Under Becker’s direction, claiming its 31st overall Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Presidents’ Cup title as the league all sports champion and winning the 2024-25 Division II All-sports Learfield/IMG College Directors’ Cup crown for the 17th time. Under her leadership she oversaw the construction of the Jamie Hosford Football Center, a new indoor practice golf facility, multiple locker room renovations, and an addition to the Fieldhouse that features a 3-mat wrestling room that is home to the newly added men’s and women’s wrestling programs. The new construction also provided for a 4000 square foot weight room, a new athletic training room, a student-athlete lounge and refueling hub, as well as the new home for the Laker Academic Success Center. In 2026, GVSU Athletics will see an Arena renovation bringing in suites and premium seating for fans, as well as a new Baseball/Softball Indoor hitting facility and locker room.
Becker was appointed by Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer to the Task Force of Women in Sports that convened 2019-2022. She recently completed her term as a member of the Women Leaders in Sports Board of Directors serving from 2019 – 2025. Currently, she is member of National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Executive Committee, the Collegiate Women Sports Award Board and the West Michigan Sports Commission Board of Directors. She was awarded the Michigan ACE Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership award during the summer of 2022 and in January 2023 accepted the NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion for GVSU Athletics. Keri was most recently awarded NACDA AD of the Year Award in June of 2026.
Prior to taking over as the Director of Athletics, Becker served the Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator overseeing all aspects of multiple sport programs. In addition to sport supervision, Becker was responsible for cross campus collaborations, overseeing the financial aid aspect of NCAA compliance, completion of all required institutional reports, fundraising efforts, and assisting with game operations, and oversaw GVSU’s Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
Keri is also a military veteran, having served in the United States Army Reserve from 1992-2006, and was called to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom from January 2003-February 2004. She was stationed at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, which was a combined joint forces base. While stationed there, she worked in both Transportation and then in Supply, where she became the non-commissioned officer in charge of supply for the Headquarters Commandant at Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). She achieved the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in October 2006.
KIM DAMRON
President, Sports Properties, Learfield
“I’m deeply passionate about lifting women up and helping create more opportunities for them to lead, grow, and serve as role models across our industry. I’m continually inspired by the remarkable women I’ve met through Women Leaders, whose leadership and support push all of us to be better.”
Kim Damron is President of Learfield’s Sports Properties Division, which fosters integration across multiple business units to drive innovation and data-based strategies to create new revenue solutions and greater fan engagement for its partner universities. The division includes Learfield’s industry-leading multimedia rights business, encompassing both national and local sales, as well as other key athletic services, including the company’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) services, Amplify ticket sales, Amplify seat sales, broadcast operations, and naming rights. Kim leads a large operation within Learfield, overseeing more than $1 billion in revenue, 1,200 employees, and 140 schools, reflecting the significant scale and complexity of her responsibilities.
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Kim Damron is President of Learfield’s Sports Properties Division, which fosters integration across multiple business units to drive innovation and data-based strategies to create new revenue solutions and greater fan engagement for its partner universities. The division includes Learfield’s industry-leading multimedia rights business, encompassing both national and local sales, as well as other key athletic services, including the company’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) services, Amplify ticket sales, Amplify seat sales, broadcast operations, and naming rights. Kim leads a large operation within Learfield, overseeing more than $1 billion in revenue, 1,200 employees, and 140 schools, reflecting the significant scale and complexity of her responsibilities.
Before joining the Paciolan leadership team in 2005, Kim served in executive positions at Tickets.com, Buy.com, and Paramount Studios. She has received several accolades over her 20- year career, including Sports Business Journal’s Game Changer Award and VenuesNow Woman of Influence.
Among her many contributions to the sports and entertainment industry, Kim has been a leader in promoting inclusive cultures and nurturing employee careers. She is passionate about the advancement of women in the workplace and is a champion of local organizations, including Project Giving Light, which supports homeless children in her community.
CRYSTAL LANNING
Director of Athletics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
“The experiences I have had with Women Leaders have been transformational in shaping my path and empowering me to pursue my career goals with clarity and confidence. This recognition is especially meaningful because I know I would not be here without the unwavering support of my family and colleagues.
Crystal Lanning was named the director of athletics on April 1, 2018 after serving as the interim athletic director since 2016. Lanning returned to UW-River Falls after serving as the assistant commissioner for membership services at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NCAA Division II) during the 2015-16 year. As an assistant commissioner, she was responsible for assisting with the internal operations of the conference office and serving as a liaison from the conference office in support of several committees and administrative groups including the senior woman administrators and faculty athletic representatives.
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Crystal Lanning was named the director of athletics on April 1, 2018 after serving as the interim athletic director since 2016.
Lanning returned to UW-River Falls after serving as the assistant commissioner for membership services at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NCAA Division II) during the 2015-16 year. As an assistant commissioner, she was responsible for assisting with the internal operations of the conference office and serving as a liaison from the conference office in support of several committees and administrative groups including the senior woman administrators and faculty athletic representatives. She was responsible for assisting with the implementation of the NSIC strategic plan and overseeing the operation of four sport programs (soccer, volleyball, baseball and women’s swimming and diving). Additionally, Lanning served as a member of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Central Region Advisory Committee.
Lanning previously worked at UW-River Falls from 2004-2015 serving in a variety of roles. She began at UWRF in 2004 as an assistant athletic trainer and instructor in the Health and Human Performance department. In 2009, Lanning was named the athletic department’s assistant athletic director and senior woman administrator and in 2014 she was promoted to associate athletic director. As the associate athletic director and senior woman administrator, Lanning assisted with the internal and external operations of the athletic department including NCAA and WIAC compliance, budget development, student-athlete success programming, event management and marketing. She also served as the advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and as the department liaison to several university committees. Additionally, Lanning provided leadership in the development and implementation of the Falcon Success Series and the UWRF Athletics strategic plan.
Prior to arriving at UW-River Falls, Lanning was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Centre College in Danville, Ky.
Lanning earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Winona State University and her master’s degree in Kinesiology and health promotion at the University of Kentucky. She is also a graduate of the Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA) Institute for Administrative Advancement and Executive Institute.
Lanning is currently a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA), and Women Leaders in College Sports. She serves as a member of the NCAA DIII Women’s Soccer Committee and the NCAA DIII LGBTQ Working Group. She previously served as chair of the NCAA DIII Women’s Ice Hockey Committee.
Lanning and her husband, Shane, reside in Hastings, Minn. They have two children, Addison and Marshall.
SARAH HIRSHLAND
Chief Executive Officer, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
“This award represents the power of strong teams, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to advancing our industry. I am grateful for the colleagues, mentors, and leaders who have shaped my journey, and I am energized by the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in sports and beyond."
Sarah Hirshland serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to athlete welfare have redefined the organization, elevating it to new heights of excellence and inclusivity. Under her leadership, the USOPC has undergone a significant transformation, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and acceptance. Acknowledging the need for change, she has reshaped the organization’s approach to athlete support, governance, and financial sustainability.
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Sarah Hirshland serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Her strategic vision and unwavering commitment to athlete welfare have redefined the organization, elevating it to new heights of excellence and inclusivity.
Under her leadership, the USOPC has undergone a significant transformation, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and acceptance. Acknowledging the need for change, she has reshaped the organization’s approach to athlete support, governance, and financial sustainability. Her commitment to parity is exemplified by her decision to incorporate "Paralympic" into the organization's name, highlighting the equal importance of both the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
A cornerstone of Hirshland's tenure has been her focus on athlete well-being. She has championed robust athlete protection measures, ensuring a safe and empowering environment for all. Her advocacy for athlete rights and efforts to amplify their voices have driven positive change not only within the USOPC but also in the global Olympic and Paralympic landscape. During her leadership, the USOPC has increased mental health support services and expanded health insurance benefits to cover athletes during and after pregnancy, demonstrating a commitment to holistic athlete care.
Hirshland has made history as the first female CEO to lead four Team USA Olympic and Paralympic delegations to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, successfully navigating unprecedented challenges. Through her guidance, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation launched its most ambitious fundraising campaign yet, aiming to raise $500 million to support Team USA in achieving unprecedented success at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the global sports community, she serves as the 3rd Vice President of Panam Sports. She is also an active member of the IOC Program Commission. She was an integral part of the team who navigated and developed the strategy that led to the U.S. winning the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake-Utah, which will serve as the capstone to an incredible decade of sport in the United States.
Before joining the USOPC, Hirshland was the Chief Commercial Officer for the United States Golf Association. She graduated from Duke University and lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and two dogs.
“This recognition is a reminder that when God calls us to serve with humility, integrity, and courage, He is faithful to open doors we could never imagine. I hope my journey continues to encourage other women to lead boldly, serve selflessly, and walk in their purpose daily.”
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Point University
JAUNELLE WHITE
Jaunelle White is entering her sixth academic year at Point as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Chief Student Development Officer. White is the university's third athletic director and first female director. Under White’s watch in 2025-2026, the Skyhawks sent six programs to their conference tournament, including the men’s golf team finishing second before receiving a bid to the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship. Jaunelle was named the Third Vice President of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association (ADA) on April 17.
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Jaunelle White is entering her sixth academic year at Point as Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Chief Student Development Officer. White is the university's third athletic director and first female director.
2025-26: Under White’s watch, the Skyhawks sent six programs to their conference tournament, including the men’s golf team finishing second before receiving a bid to the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship. Jaunelle was named the Third Vice President of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association (ADA) on April 17.
2023-2024: The phrase "Excellence Continues" was on full display for Point University as the NAIA announced Point University as a Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution for the second consecutive year. The year saw many new heights taken at Point as White oversaw the inaugural Women's Flag Football season during Spring 2024. Jaunelle White helped the University start first-ever Hall of Fame inducting six Hall of Fame members. The Athletic Department posted another departmental GPA over a 3.0 highlighting the leadership of instilling Student-Athletes at the institution. White's role increased with having the Chief Student Development Officer to her title. Outside of Point, White has inspired young upcoming leaders in the area being featured as a guest speaker at the High School Awards with Girls and Sports in Columbus, Georgia. White was also a moderator for a panel with MOAA in Las Vegas, Nevada for the NACDA Convention in June 2024. To finish the 2023-2024 year of excellence, Jaunelle White was named the SSAC Athletic Director of the Year.
2022-2023: White oversaw the transition of full membership from the Appalachian Athletic Conference to the Southern States Athletic Conference. She also added Women's Flag Football to the Athletic Department, which competes in the Sun Conference and will have its inaugural season in Spring 2024. White oversaw three NAIA National Tournament teams, three NAIA All-Americans (Softball, Men's Golf, and Football), and one Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship team (Women's Basketball). The phrase "Excellence Continues" continued to be proven as Point University secured its highest departmental GPA of 3.25. The success at Point University did not stop there, as the NAIA announced Point University as a Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution. Jaunelle White is a proven leader in Athletics as she was named as one of Sports Illustrated's top 100 Black Women in Sports.
2021-2022: In her first year at the department's helm, White has overseen three programs earning NAIA National Tournament Appearances, one making an Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship (Men's Soccer), three student-athletes being named All-Americans, and student-athletes receiving 100 all-conference awards. Point University was named an NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Silver institution.
White comes to Point with nearly 20 years of athletic administration experience, particularly at the NCAA Division I level. Most recently, White served as the senior associate athletic director for internal operations and senior woman administrator at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis. She has served in several athletic administrative roles, including compliance, at Texas Southern, Alabama State University, University of South Alabama, Middle Tennessee State University, and Louisiana State University.
White is a native of Lawrence, Kansas, and played collegiate volleyball at Auburn University from 1996 to 2002. She holds a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Auburn University.
White and her late husband (Marcus) have four children.
PHYLLIS LaVERNE SWEAT
Coach, Hampton University and Norfolk State University
A native of Norfolk, Virginia—graduated from Booker T. Washington High School before attending Virginia State College (now VSU), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education with honors in 1959. That same year, she married her childhood sweetheart, James E. Sweat, Sr., who later retired as a LTC in the U.S. Army and from a second career coaching women’s basketball. During his military career, Phyllis traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe, raising three children: Sheryl, James Jr., and Kevin.
“I am deeply grateful, energized to be recognized among such extraordinary leaders who continue to elevate and shape the future of sports. I’m proud to stand alongside so many trailblazers who continue to move women sports industry forward.”
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Phyllis LaVerne Sweat—a native of Norfolk, Virginia—graduated from Booker T. Washington High School before attending Virginia State College (now VSU), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education with honors in 1959. That same year, she married her childhood sweetheart, James E. Sweat, Sr., who later retired as a LTC in the U.S. Army and from a second career coaching women’s basketball. During his military career, Phyllis traveled extensively throughout the US and Europe, raising three children: Sheryl, James Jr., and Kevin.
Phyllis began her professional journey as a Physical Education teacher and girls’ basketball coach at Hayden High School in Franklin, Virginia. Her teaching career ultimately transitioned to higher education, teaching at Hampton University (HU) and Norfolk State University (NSU). She earned her Master’s degree in Health and Education from HU.
In 1978, Phyllis launched her collegiate coaching career at HU, where she coached women’s volleyball, cheerleading, and track and field. She also served as the Women’s Senior Athletic Coordinator, overseeing scheduling, budgets, facilities, NCAA compliance, recruitment, staffing, and event administration for women’s sports. Her leadership and coaching excellence quickly gained national recognition. In 1981, she was named NAIA National Head Coach of the Year, selected as head coach for the World University Games in Bucharest, Romania, and appointed to the NCAA Council—becoming the first African American woman to serve in that capacity. She later became the first female President of the CIAA in the late 1980s. During her tenure at HU, she won two CIAA Northern Division volleyball titles and earned CIAA Women’s Track and Field Coach of the Year honors six times.
In 1988, Phyllis joined NSU as head coach of the women’s track program and Senior Women’s Administrator, a role she held until 2006. Her coaching success at NSU was extraordinary: 18 CIAA championships for cross country, indoor, and outdoor track; 10 consecutive CIAA Coach of the Year awards (1988–1997); recognition as NCAA Division II Coach of the Decade in 1991. She served internationally as head manager of the World University Games in Germany (1989); head coach of the Junior Pan American Games in Canada (1993); head manager of the World Championships in Sweden (1995). After NSU moved to Division I and joined the MEAC, she led the Spartans to the 2000 indoor and 2001 outdoor conference titles. Her pinnacle achievement came in 2000, when she was selected as an assistant coach for the US Track and Field Team at the Sydney Olympic Games.
Distinguished career inductions
CIAA John B. McLendon Hall of Fame
Hampton Rhoads African-American Sports Hall of Fame
U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame
VSU Hall of Fame Honors Court
NSU Hall of Fame
HU Athletic Hall of Fame
Honors
Served as a member of the Board for the Honda Female Athlete of the Year
Served as a member of the NCAA National Track and Field Committee Division I and Division II
Served as Chairman of the NAIA Women’s Track and Field Committee
Recipient of the Abe Goldblatt Memorial Award
Dr. MARILYN McNEIL
Vice President and Director of Athletics, Monmouth University
“Working in sport was never a job- it was an enthusiastic passion for 53 wonderful years. To be honored for enjoying this journey is awesome. Thank you to the pushers, the pullers, the optimists, even the pessimists.”
Dr. Marilyn McNeil retired from her 53-year career in collegiate athletics on June 30, 2021. During that time McNeil was a student-athlete, coached at the collegiate level, served as an administrator, and spent 28 years as Monmouth University’s director of athletics. McNeil elevated Monmouth to one of the premier mid-major Division I programs in the country. During her tenure, the Hawks won 119 regular season conference championships while making 38 team appearances in various NCAA Tournaments.
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Marilyn McNeil retired from her 53-year career in collegiate athletics on June 30, 2021. During that time McNeil was a student-athlete, coached at the collegiate level, served as an administrator, and spent 28 years as Monmouth University’s director of athletics.
McNeil elevated Monmouth to one of the premier mid-major Division I programs in the country. During her tenure, the Hawks won 119 regular season conference championships while making 38 team appearances in various NCAA Tournaments. The Hawks claimed 11 overall Commissioner’s Cups in the Northeast Conference (NEC) and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and finished lower than second just once (third in 1998–99) during her time in West Long Branch. On a national scale, McNeil’s contributions to Title IX cannot be overstated. The Hawks added seven sports during McNeil’s tenure, five of which added collegiate opportunities for women.
A well-respected member of the athletics administration community, McNeil held several national prestigious positions. She served on the Division I NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics and the Management Council as well as held the office of President for Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA), the same Association that named her 2001 Division I-AAA Administrator of the Year. McNeil also served a five-year term on the Division I NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee, where she was named chair for the 2010–11 season. She also spent time as President of FCS ADA.
McNeil has dedicated her life to gender equality in athletics. A champion of Title IX, she was the first female athletics director at any New Jersey college or university when she was hired at Monmouth in 1994. She went right to work instituting change, not only on the local level but at the national level, too. In her first year at Monmouth she brought what was the first all-female Division I voting delegation with her to the NCAA Convention. She worked tirelessly to make sure the budgets, staffing and hiring practices were reflective of her own commitment to equality while always lending her expertise to women looking to start or further a career in college athletics. Under her leadership the university was awarded an “A” grade by the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sports for the number of women head coaches at Monmouth.
Facility highlights during McNeil’s watch included the 2009 addition of the OceanFirst Bank Center, home to Monmouth’s basketball and track and field programs, as well as the massive 2017 renovation of Kessler Stadium, where football, lacrosse and track and field compete. Hesse Field on The Great Lawn added lights in 2011, allowing the soccer programs to host night games, and field turf in 2014. Monmouth field hockey’s So Sweet A Cat Field was dedicated in 2007 and received upgrades in turf (2018) and a new scoreboard (2019), while the Hawks added an Outdoor Tennis Complex in 2009 and the Patrice Murray Tennis House five years later. Monmouth’s bowling team secured a permanent on-campus home in 2014 with the addition of the Cinello Family Bowling Center adjacent to Boylan Gymnasium. All of Monmouth’s teams have benefitted from the facelift of the varsity weight room which opened in January 2020.
In November 2021, the Monmouth University Board of Trustees announced the dedication of Dr. Marilyn A. McNeil Arena in recognition of McNeil’s longstanding service to the university and her profound impact on countless student-athletes.
DEBBY DeANGELIS
Director of Athletics, Cal State East Bay
“It has been a joy to work in a field where I can see daily efforts to succeed and excel. Seeing what sport brings to individual development and the leadership of both students and those that have worked with me has been very rewarding.”
Debby De Angelis built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in collegiate athletics, rowing leadership, and community service. Known for her steady leadership, deep commitment to student athletes, and influential contributions to the sport of rowing, she has shaped programs, policies, and people at the campus, national, and international levels.
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Debby De Angelis built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in collegiate athletics, rowing leadership, and community service. Known for her steady leadership, deep commitment to studentathletes, and influential contributions to the sport of rowing, she has shaped programs, policies, and people at the campus, national, and international levels.
Debby served as Director of Athletics at Cal State East Bay from 2001 to 2013, overseeing a 15sport NCAA Division II program and guiding the university through its transition from NAIA/NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II. Her leadership encompassed supervision of coaches and staff, budget oversight across multiple funding streams, compliance, facilities, marketing, and sports information and game management. She represented the university at NCAA, NAIA, Cal Pac and CCAA conference meetings and played an active role in campus life, chairing committees, directing championship events, and strengthening community engagement.
Before her tenure at Cal State East Bay, Debby held administrative roles at Towson University and Cal State Northridge, where she managed internal operations, business affairs, facilities, events, sports medicine, equipment rooms, and team travel. She developed policies and procedures, supervised construction and field upgrades, and taught kinesiology courses in athletic facilities and event management. Earlier in her career, she served as Assistant Athletic Director for Women’s Athletics and Business Manager at Northeastern University, through the transition from AIAW to NCAA governance.
Debby’s impact on rowing is both historic and enduring. A 1975 national team athlete and national silver medalist, she sculled on the 1974 Long Beach Rowing Association National Championship team. She managed 6 women’s national teams including 2 Olympics. As a coach, she led programs at UC Santa Barbara, the University of Massachusetts Amherst—where her varsity crew completed an undefeated regular season in 1978—Smith College, and Northeastern University. She also coached at the Olympic Sports Festival.
Her service to rowing spans decades and continents. Debby has been a USRowing licensed referee since 1972 and an international FISA umpire since 1999, officiating at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. and She served roles with the National Women’s Rowing Association, the National Rowing Foundation, and USRowing. She has also contributed to youth development, Olympic team management, and major regatta organization, including the Goodwill Games.
A dedicated community volunteer, Debby was a longtime Rotarian and past president of the Hayward Rotary Club, earning multiple service awards. Her professional honors include induction into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame and the California State University Athletic Hall of Fame, as well as several Athletic Director of the Year awards.
Debby has a BA in sociology from UC Santa Barbara and a MS in Sport Studies from UMass Amherst.
In retirement, she lives in Arnold, CA and belongs to the Northern California Olympians, Women Leaders, and is the secretary of the US Women’s Rowing History Archives.
DR. INGRID WICKER McCREE
Director of Athletics, North Carolina Central University
“I have always believed that when women lead in sports, we create opportunities, inspire change, and leave a lasting legacy. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to empowering the next generation of women leaders in athletics."
Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree is a transformational leader and innovative strategist whose influence extends across higher education, sports tourism, amateur, and professional sports. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Wicker McCree has built a distinguished career as a student-athlete, coach, educator, athletics administrator, and executive leader. In 2008, she made history as the first woman to hold the permanent position of Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During her 14-year tenure, she successfully guided NCCU’s transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), leading the development and implementation of the university’s first comprehensive strategic plan for reclassification.
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Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree is a transformational leader and innovative strategist whose influence extends across higher education, sports tourism, amateur, and professional sports. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Wicker McCree has built a distinguished career as a student-athlete, coach, educator, athletics administrator, and executive leader. In 2008, she made history as the first woman to hold the permanent position of Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During her 14-year tenure, she successfully guided NCCU’s transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), leading the development and implementation of the university’s first comprehensive strategic plan for reclassification.
Under her leadership, NCCU Athletics experienced unprecedented growth and success. The department increased its operating budget from $2 million to $15 million, increased fundraising by 65% during her final five years, and enhanced academic achievement with student-athletes achieving a cumulative GPA above 3.0 and an APR of 984. Competitive successes included four MEAC Men’s Basketball Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, a MEAC Football Championship and Celebration Bowl appearance, and the 2014 HBCU Men’s Tennis National Championship. She also led major facility enhancements, including football stadium renovations, arena upgrades, and new technology investments. Her leadership experience includes service on the NCAA Division I Council, NCAA Research Committee, NCAA Division II Volleyball Committee, FCS Football Regional Ranking Committee, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board, Durham Sports Commission Board, and the Local Organizing Committee for the 2029 World University Games.
Today, Dr. Wicker McCree serves as Founder and CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, LLC, helping leaders and organizations strengthen strategy, leadership capacity, and organizational effectiveness. She also serves as Senior Associate Director at the Duke Sports Sciences Institute, advancing strategic initiatives, community engagement, and innovative sports performance programming. A highly respected consultant and advisor, she serves as Vice President of The PICTOR Group, President-Elect of WeCOACH, Chief Operating Officer of Advancing Beyond in Sports (ABIS), and as an NCAA Peer Reviewer for institutions transitioning to Division I membership.
An accomplished global ambassador for sport and education, Dr. Wicker McCree has represented the United States internationally. As a member of North Carolina’s World University Games Bid Committee, she presented strategic elements of the state’s bid for the 2027 World University Games to the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in Brussels, Belgium. She also volunteered with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and created international experiences for HBCU volleyball student-athletes and coaches through opportunities in Europe, the Caribbean, and Southern Africa.
Her contributions to higher education and athletics have earned her induction into five halls of fame: The George Washington University Athletics Hall of Fame, NACDA Hall of Fame, NCCU Alex Rivera Hall of Fame, John B. McLendon Hall of Fame (CIAA), and the C.E. Jordan High School Hall of Fame.
Dr. Wicker McCree earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The George Washington University, where she was a member of the women’s volleyball team, a master’s degree in Recreation Resources Administration, and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Geno McCree, are proud parents of three college graduates: Alexia, Quinton, and Sydney, and grandparents to twin grandsons, Amir and Ashton.
ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Rock Entertainment Group & the Cleveland Cavaliers
“Receiving the Women Leaders in Sports BSN Organization of the Year award is a profound honor and a reflection of the many team members who continue to shape Rock Entertainment Group. When women are given the tools, opportunities and trust to lead, the enterprise rises with them. At Rock Entertainment Group, investing in women is more than a program. It's a promise.”
Founded in 2021 as part of Dan Gilbert's ROCK family of companies, Rock Entertainment Group (REG) has quickly emerged as one of the most innovative organizations in the sports and entertainment industry. Through a portfolio that includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, Rocket Arena, and a growing collection of sports, entertainment, media, and venue properties, REG is redefining what it means to create unforgettable fan experiences while driving meaningful community impact.
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Founded in 2021 as part of Dan Gilbert's ROCK family of companies, Rock Entertainment Group (REG) has quickly emerged as one of the most innovative organizations in the sports and entertainment industry. Through a portfolio that includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, Rocket Arena, and a growing collection of sports, entertainment, media, and venue properties, REG is redefining what it means to create unforgettable fan experiences while driving meaningful community impact.
Guided by a vision to be the transformative leaders in sports and entertainment, Rock Entertainment Group combines world-class commercialization, business intelligence, venue development, and strategic innovation to shape the future of the industry. Beyond operating premier brands and venues, the organization partners with sports and entertainment properties around the world to deliver landmark events, accelerate growth, and elevate the fan experience.
At the heart of REG's success is a people-first culture built on integrity, inclusion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Recognized by Sports Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in Sports for three consecutive years, the organization empowers its team members to lead boldly, embrace creativity, and make a lasting impact both inside and outside the arena.
Committed to strengthening the Cleveland community while setting new standards across the sports industry, Rock Entertainment Group continues to prove that exceptional business performance and meaningful social impact go hand in hand. Through visionary leadership, groundbreaking experiences, and an unwavering commitment to people, REG is helping shape the future of sports and entertainment for fans, partners, and communities alike.
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
MEGAN ROSE
Managing Director, Head of Business Development & Operations, USTA Coaching
Megan Rose currently serves as the Managing Director, Head of Business Development and Operations for USTA Coaching, where she leads coach recruitment and retention strategies, oversees operational excellence, and drives industry engagement through strategic outreach and partnerships. With a focus on enhancing the coaching landscape, Megan is dedicated to developing comprehensive programs and services that empower coaches and foster a diverse tennis community.
“Innovation is never the work of one person. It happens when talented, passionate people are willing to challenge what has always been done and imagine what could be possible. I hope this award inspires other women to trust their ideas, use their voices, and keep pushing our industry forward.”
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Megan Rose currently serves as the Managing Director, Head of Business Development and Operations for USTA Coaching, where she leads coach recruitment and retention strategies, oversees operational excellence, and drives industry engagement through strategic outreach and partnerships. With a focus on enhancing the coaching landscape, Megan is dedicated to developing comprehensive programs and services that empower coaches and foster a diverse tennis community. Previously, Megan served as the Managing Director of Major Events, where she was responsible for the promotion, operation, and strategic direction of the USTA’s professional tennis assets, including the US Open Series, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Pro Circuit, World Team Cup, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, and Parapan American Games. Under her leadership, the US Open Wheelchair Championships and the US Open Junior Championships thrived, and she successfully integrated the operation and management of professional wheelchair tennis into the able-bodied department, marking a significant achievement as the first National Governing Body to do so for any Paralympic sport. Additionally, Megan served as Team Leader for USA Olympic Tennis, overseeing all team eligibility, activities, and logistics for two Olympic Games, while acting as the USTA’s liaison to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Prior to joining the USTA, Megan was the Senior Manager of Member Relations at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and served as the Head Coach of Women’s Tennis at Princeton University, where she led the team to an Ivy League Championships and a Top 50 ITA Ranking in 2009. Megan received a B.S. in Sport Administration from the University of Miami. During her tennis career at Miami, she was a 5-time NCAA All-American, ITA Player of the Year, and ITA National Indoor Champion. In recognition of her illustrious career as a student-athlete, she was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Megan then competed on the WTA Tour before retiring to pursue her Master’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. Megan was named a Sports Business Journal Game Changer in 2022, a Leaders 40 Under 40 nominee, and received the Rising Star Award from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Megan lives in Orlando with her husband, Jesse, and her two children, Lola (12), and Kane (10).
RESILIENCE AWARD
DR. JOLISA WILLIAMS
Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, Bowie State University Athletics
“I accept this recognition in honor of Dr. Clyde Doughty, Jr., whose leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to Bowie State University continue to inspire our work each and every day. His passing left a tremendous void, and he is deeply missed. I am especially grateful for the confidence he placed in me, as I would not be in this position without his guidance, support, and belief in my abilities.”
Dr. Jolisa Williams enters her fourth season with the Bulldog family as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Strategic Engagement after serving as the department's Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations for three years. Dr. Williams serves as the number two within the department and manages all strategic Athletic Department projects and initiatives; and assists in coordinating Athletic Department functions and events including donor events, game-day marketing and promotions, university team functions, and CIAA Conference and NCAA activities and tournaments.
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Dr. Jolisa Williams enters her fourth season with the Bulldog family as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Strategic Engagement after serving as the department's Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations for three years. Dr. Williams serves as the number two within the department and manages all strategic Athletic Department projects and initiatives; and assists in coordinating Athletic Department functions and events including donor events, game-day marketing and promotions, university team functions, and CIAA Conference and NCAA activities and tournaments.
Additionally, Dr. Williams assists, coordinates, and leads special projects including sport-specific marketing and brand enhancement plans, targeted external events, and donor engagement and cultivation activities while overseeing athletic communications for all 13 varsity sport teams.
Prior to Dr. Williams arrival to Bowie State, she served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at Shaw University from 2015-2021. During her tenure at Shaw, Dr. Williams rebranded and set new heights for the media relations area that included a redesign of the athletic website, and enhancement of the athletic social media platforms – which was ranked amongst the top 30 amongst DII and first in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference (2017). Furthermore, she introduced the “Shaw Report” a weekly podcast that featured coaching interviews, recaps, and previews of athletic events.
Dr. Williams led the department streaming platform also known as “The Shaw Bears Sports Network” in which the department streamed football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer and softball all in one season for the first time in the department's history.
Over the years, Dr. Williams has had a great deal of experience covering championship-caliber programs at Shaw. Williams handled the publicity for the 2016 women’s volleyball team, which captured their first CIAA championship in 21 years and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. Additionally, she also managed the 2018 CIAA championship run for the Lady Bears women’s volleyball team and second appearance in the NCAA tournament. As for the women’s tennis team, Williams also had the pleasure of covering the Lady Bears three-peat (2017, 2018, 2019) CIAA Championship success and several NCAA tournament appearances.
Dr. Williams was named the CIAA John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year in 2018-19 and again following the 2016-17 year – which at the time was just her second year at Shaw.
Since 2017, Dr. Williams served as a member of the CIAA Management Council. She was appointed to her management council seat after being elected president of the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association (CIAA-SIDA). Now Dr. Williams serves as the CIAA Northern Division Vice President on Management Council.
Dr. Williams spent time as the Director of Sports Information & Marketing at Richard Bland College in 2014. During her time there, she was the main contact for all nine-sport teams including the men's basketball program that captured the 2015 Region 10 Conference title and NJCAA National Championship for DII basketball. She was also responsible for the 2015 Region 10 regular-season champion softball team and five track and field national qualifiers.
Prior to Richard Bland, Dr. Williams interned at Virginia State University where she aided the athletic department in various areas. Along with assisting with publicity for basketball, football and baseball, she served as the primary contact for women's basketball, volleyball, women's tennis and softball. Dr. Williams also played a role in growing VSU athletics' social media platforms as a graduate student.
A 2012 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Saint Augustine's University, Dr. Williams earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. As a four-year letterwinner for the Lady Falcons women's basketball team, Dr. Williams served as the starting point guard and contributed to the CIAA Western Division title in 2009-10 as well as three CIAA Team Highest GPA Awards for women's basketball during her tenure.
Dr. Williams earned her Doctorate in Athletic Administration from National University formely known as Northcentral University in 2022 and a Master's degree in Sport Management from Virginia State University in 2014.
A native of Charles City, Va., Dr. Williams was All-District First Team recipient for four years at Charles City High School, where she ranks second on the all-time scoring list and current leader assist leader. She averaged 21.1 points, 4.2 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. Dr. Williams was inducted into the Charles City High School Hall of Fame on December 3, 2023.
Dr. Williams holds memberships with Women Leaders, College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and Black College Sports Information Directors Association (BC-SIDA) and most recently became a graduate of the prestigious Dr. Charles Whitcomb NCAA Leadership Institute in 2023.
WOMAN TO WATCH
“Building this role has truly affirmed that operational excellence is the foundation that allows everyone around you to do their best work. I hope this award is a signal to women building behind the scenes that the work matters, that it is seen, and that there is a place for us shaping the future of this industry.
JESSICA COELHO
Chief of Staff, Charlotte Football Club
Jessica Coelho is Chief of Staff, Sporting Strategy & Soccer Operations at Charlotte FC, a role that was the first of its kind at the club, and she has pioneered the role by enabling operational excellence throughout the organization. In the two years since, other MLS and USL clubs have adopted the role, and Jessica is now consulting with international clubs exploring how to build similar functions of their own.
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Jessica Coelho is Chief of Staff, Sporting Strategy & Soccer Operations at Charlotte FC, a role that was the first of its kind at the club, and she has pioneered the role by enabling operational excellence throughout the organization. In the two years since, other MLS and USL clubs have adopted the role, and Jessica is now consulting with international clubs exploring how to build similar functions of their own.
Ask Jessica what she loves about sports and she’ll say it’s the wins of course; but what really keeps her hooked is the chase: the pressure, the pace, and the chance to build something that moves the needle. She's passionate about things she's proud of, and she's proud of what she's helping to build at Charlotte FC.
At Charlotte FC, Jessica has built the operational backbone of the Sporting Department by leading financial governance, driving a full overhaul of performance culture, and completing an internal restructure to strengthen how the team works and what they're capable of. She serves as a connective link between Sporting and Finance, Legal, HR, and Business (Marketing & Partnerships), creating the kind of cross-functional alignment that enables every department to focus on what they do best. She also played a key role in operationalizing Charlotte FC's Atrium Health Performance Park facility as a FIFA World Cup 2026 Basecamp for the Scottish national team, leading the internal planning that allowed the club's own teams to keep training without missing a beat.
Before stepping into sports, Jessica spent over a decade in organizational transformation and human capital consulting, including time at Deloitte and Slalom Consulting, where she led large-scale change initiatives and talent strategy work; and where she also led her office's Women's Leadership Network, building community and creating space for women to grow and support one another. That same instinct for advocacy carries through everything she does: she was a 2023 STANDOUT Honoree and top-5 fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Charlotte and volunteers as a Reading Buddy with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Jessica holds a BA and MA in Organizational Communication & Leadership from Villanova University (Go Cats!). Outside of work, you'll find her playing pickleball, tackling escape rooms, traveling whenever she can, walking her corgi, and - of course - cheering on Charlotte FC. #ForTheCrown
RISING STAR
SAM BERMAN
Events and Hospitality Coordinator, College Football Playoff
“This recognition represents so much more than an individual achievement. It reflects the mentors and coaches who have invested in me, the teammates who have supported and empowered me, and the opportunities I've been given to grow in an industry I love. I am incredibly grateful to Women Leaders in Sports and the College Football Playoff for believing in me, investing in my development, and providing opportunities to build a meaningful career in sports.”
Sam Berman joined the College Football Playoff staff in June 2024 as its Events and Hospitality Coordinator. Berman came to the CFP staff from the University of Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in sports business. During her time at Oregon, Berman served as the technical coordinator for the Ducks' women’s volleyball program, and also held the role of assistant director for Women In Flight, which aims to raise awareness and financial support to achieve and maintain excellence across all Oregon women's athletic programs.
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Sam Berman joined the College Football Playoff staff in June 2024 as its Events and Hospitality Coordinator. Berman came to the CFP staff from the University of Oregon, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in sports business.
During her time at Oregon, Berman served as the technical coordinator for the Ducks' women’s volleyball program, and also held the role of assistant director for Women In Flight, which aims to raise awareness and financial support to achieve and maintain excellence across all Oregon women's athletic programs. She also assisted in the planning and execution of Pac-12 and NCAA Championship events hosted by UO athletics.
Berman grew up in her hometown of Portland, Oregon, before spending the final two years of high school in Shanghai, China. Her passion and love of sports stems from her upbringing.