2017 – NACWAA Changes to Women Leaders in College Sports

On February 21, 2017, NACWAA officially changed its name to Women Leaders in College Sports. The name—which was complemented by a new website, womenleadersincollegesports.org and refreshed brand identity—was the culmination of a yearlong effort to develop a stronger name that more clearly demonstrated the organization’s mission: to develop and advance women leaders at all levels of intercollegiate athletics.

In the words of CEO Patti Phillips:

“As our organization has grown and evolved, the ‘Women Leaders in College Sports’ name better builds upon our foundation while also working to resonate with our increasingly diverse membership spanning across roles, departments and industries. Our membership and offerings have grown so it only makes sense for our brand to grow and evolve as we look to the future.”

“This great organization has experienced enormous growth and influence within intercollegiate athletics,” said Women Leaders in College Sports President Vicky Chun. “Having a new name and logo, which describes who we are and what we do, is a natural and exciting part of this progression.”

Vicky continued, “The need and support for female leadership has never been more vital than it is now, and Women Leaders in College Sports has a proven track record to fulfill this need within the college sports industry and beyond.”

The growth and influence are reflected in the numbers: In 2012, for instance, 19 women advanced into an athletic director, conference commissioner, or other athletic leadership roles. In 2017, thanks in part to the work of Women Leaders in College Sports (NACWAA), 37 women advanced into an athletic director, conference commissioner, or other athletic leadership roles, a 105% increase. Of those 37, four were women of color.