The Nike Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed annually to professionals who have dedicated their careers to advancing women in sports. This award is given to individuals who have rendered meritorious service and have retired from or are no longer in full-time employment in the profession. Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement award will be stored in our database for 10 years and reconsidered by the committee annually.

Meritorious service is defined as leadership over and above normal duties as expected of an individual, highlighted by the following:

• Former or current member of Women Leaders in Sports, previously known as NACWAA and/or CCWA.

• Active participation and leadership in national professional organizations and/or conference organizations.     

• Enhancement of the athletics program at the individual's institution or organization.

• Enhancement of the relationship between the athletics department and the administration of the individual's institution and/or organization.     

• Demonstrate a commitment to offering professional and personal expertise and assistance to mentoring athletics administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and women in sports. 

The Lifetime Achievement honorees (up to two) will be recognized at the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention.

The Nike Executive of the Year Awards are presented to senior-level executive women in the sports industry who are making significant contributions.

This is inclusive of 5 Nike Executive of the Year Awards, 1 Sandy Barbour Nike FBS DI Athletic Director of the Year, and 1 Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year Award.

Qualifications include:

• Be an employed full-time senior-level executive in the sports industry at the time of nominations

• Demonstrate leadership and vision in their role

• Demonstrate commitment, cooperation, and allegiance in promoting excellence in sports

• Serve as a positive role model

•  Demonstrate a commitment to professional development

• Be committed to diversity and gender equity

• Attend the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention

The Nike Executive of the Year honorees are recognized at the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention.

The Sandy Barbour Nike Division I FBS Athletic Director of the Year award is presented to a Division I FBS Athletic Director making a significant impact, In recognition of Sandy’s legacy.  

The award was introduced in 2024, with Candice Storey Lee, Vanderbilt University, the inaugural recipient. This award is made possible through the generous gifts of Vicky Chun, Julie Cromer, Charmelle Green, Cary Groth, Teresa Gould, Lynn Holleran & Pam Borton, Candace Campbell Jackson, Katie Meier, Patti Phillips, and Lisa Stockton.

Qualifications include:

• Be an employed full-time Division I FBS Athletic Director at the time of nominations

• Demonstrate leadership and vision in their role

• Demonstrate commitment, cooperation, and allegiance in promoting excellence in sports

• Serve as a positive role model

• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development

• Be committed to diversity and gender equity

• Attend the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention

The Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year Award is presented to a senior-level executive who exemplifies the personal qualities and professional accomplishments of Dr. Nell Jackson as listed below. Please note all nominations are welcome, but emphasis will be placed on the achievement of minority women.

Qualifications include:

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and gender equity

• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership, courage, compassion, conviction, tenacity, and vision

• Serve as a positive role model; Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence

• Be an employed full-time senior-level executive in the sports industry at the time of nomination

• Attend the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention

The Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year honoree will be recognized at the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention.

Selection: The recipient of the Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year Award will be selected by the Women Leaders in Sports Awards Committee, and the final slate will be approved by the Women Leaders in Sports Board of Directors.

The BSN SPORTS Organization of the Year award recognizes the overall impact an organization has had on women working in sports. We’ll look at how they’re supporting women through programming, mentorship, and fostering leadership opportunities. For example – sending Women on their staff to National Convention or having a large group membership!

Qualifications include:

• Advancement of Women in Leadership: Demonstrates a consistent commitment to advancing women into leadership roles within the sports industry.

• Support for Women Leaders’ Development: Actively invests in the professional growth of women through initiatives such as mentorship, leadership training, and development programs. They provide opportunities for women to attend relevant conferences, programs, and events (e.g., Women Leaders in Sports programming, annual convention, etc.)

• Impactful Programming and Initiatives: Creates or supports programming that fosters the growth of women in sports, whether through internal efforts (e.g., leadership programs, networking events) or by supporting external initiatives aimed at developing women leaders.

• Strong Engagement with Women Leaders in Sports Community: Demonstrates consistent participation and active involvement in Women Leaders in Sports' programming, contributing significantly to our events, conventions, and large group rosters. They are dedicated to ensuring women in their organization are included in key initiatives.

• Leadership in Changing the Landscape of Sports Leadership: Takes significant action to challenge and change the existing landscape of leadership in sports, creating pathways for more women to hold leadership positions at all levels of sport (administrative, coaching, executive, etc.).

• Measurable Impact: Can provide measurable outcomes or evidence of their impact, such as an increase in the number of women in leadership positions, notable promotions, or leadership roles held by women within the organization or within the industry.

The BSN SPORTS Innovator of the Year Award recognizes someone who is not just achieving success, but also creating new pathways and redefining what’s possible in the industry. The recipient would be someone who has pushed boundaries in the past year, challenged traditional norms, and introduced fresh ideas that have reshaped the landscape of sports. 

Qualifications include: 

• Trailblazing New Pathways: 
  Introduces innovative ideas, strategies, or solutions that create new opportunities and push the boundaries of what's possible in the sports industry. 

• Redefining Norms: 
  Challenges traditional practices and reshapes the landscape of sports, particularly in areas of leadership and inclusivity. 

• Visionary Thinking: 
  Demonstrates forward-thinking and acts proactively to address emerging trends or needs within the sports industry. 

• Impactful Change: 
  Creates measurable, positive change that advances women in leadership or drives significant progress in sports. 

• Risk-Taker and Catalyst for Change: 
  Willingly takes risks and experiments with new approaches to drive transformative results in the industry. 

• Lasting Influence: 
  Leaves a lasting impact on the sports industry, with their innovations continuing to shape the future of leadership and inclusion. 

The BSN SPORTS Resilience Award honors an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, adaptability, and strength in the face of adversity. This award recognizes those who have overcome significant challenges—whether personal, professional, or industry-wide—inspiring others through their unwavering determination and commitment to their goals. 

Qualifications include: 

• Extraordinary Perseverance: 
  Demonstrates unwavering determination and strength in overcoming significant personal, professional, or industry-wide challenges. 

• Adaptability in the Face of Adversity: 
  Shows remarkable ability to adapt and thrive despite obstacles, maintaining focus and commitment to their goals. 

• Inspiring Others: 
  Serves as an inspiration to others, motivating them through their resilience, hard work, and positive attitude. 

• Unyielding Commitment: 
  Continues to pursue success and progress despite setbacks, exemplifying true grit and resilience in their work and leadership. 

The Woman to Watch Award celebrates those whose influence will continue to grow, and whose contributions are already making waves in the industry. The recipient is someone whose trajectory suggests she will play a key role in shaping the future of sports and inspiring others through her vision, drive, and commitment to excellence. 

Qualifications include: 

• Possess at least 3 years of experience in the sports industry and is NOT a Sitting Leader.  

• Rising Influence: 
  Demonstrates significant impact in the sports industry with a trajectory that suggests continued growth and influence. (specific examples outlining skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments should be provided) 

• Visionary and Driven: 
  Shows strong vision, ambition, and a clear sense of direction, actively working towards shaping the future of sports. 

• Inspiring Leadership: 
  Inspires others through her dedication, excellence, and ability to lead by example. 

• Commitment to Excellence: 
  Exhibits a relentless commitment to personal and professional growth, striving for excellence in all aspects of her work. 

The BSN SPORTS Rising Star Award recognizes an entry-level woman who is 0-3 years in their career and demonstrates potential to make a significant leadership impact in the future. This award highlights members who have an interest in pursuing a career in sport. 

Qualifications include: 

• Be an emerging leader in the sports industry - In the first 0-3 years of their career with strong potential for future leadership in sports. 

• Demonstrates Ambition: 
  Shows a clear interest and drive to pursue a career in the sports industry. 

• Leadership Potential: 
  Displays early signs of leadership, initiative, and the ability to make an impact in their role. 

• Commitment to Growth: 
  Actively seeks professional development and shows promise for continued success and leadership in sports.