CORVALLIS, Ore. – When it comes to girl power, the Cascade Collegiate Conference brings a powerful punch. Five of the CCC’s 12 full members have women athletic directors (ADs), which is the most of any conference in the NAIA, along with one associate member AD and five other women in leadership roles within the CCC member schools.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the CCC talked to its 11 women in leadership roles to see what they love about being a leader, their school and why it’s important to see women in sports, especially in leader roles.
Eastern Oregon University’s Anji Weissenfluh
Eastern Oregon University has three women athletic directors, including Director of Athletics Anji Weissenfluh. Not only does she spearhead her alma mater’s department, she also is the head women’s basketball coach. Weissenfluh graduated from EOU in 1994 with a degree in physical education and health.
“As a lifetime Mountie, there isn’t much I don’t love about EOU,” said Weissenfluh. “If I had to pinpoint just a few things that I love, it would be the support and family-like atmosphere. Our students and student-athletes truly support one another and want the best for all the programs. Nowhere is this more evident than taking a look at our student section (pre-COVID). That fan support comes not only from our students, but from our community. We also have amazing alumni support. The support of our alumni is a true testament to the experience that students have while they are at EOU; they want to continue to be involved in the Mountie Family long after they graduate.”
It's no wonder Weissenfluh stayed at EOU, where she has been the AD for six years and women’s basketball coach for 20 years. Being AD allows her to be involved in more aspects of Mountaineer athletics.
“My favorite part of being an AD is being able to share in the successes of our student-athletes,” said Weissenfluh. “Being welcomed into all of our programs, getting to know our student-athletes, and working hand-in-hand with all of our coaches, and support staff is definitely the best part of this job.”
Weissenfluh believes having women in leadership roles is important, but not just in athletics.
“As a parent of a young daughter and a coach of female student-athletes it is important to empower women to believe that they can truly be anything they want to be, but if they don’t have female role models to look up to in those positions it is harder to believe,” said Weissenfluh. “Two years ago, on the biggest stage in women’s basketball, former Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw made this comment, ‘I'm getting tired of the novelty of the first female governor of this state, the first female African American mayor of this city, when is it going to become the norm instead of the exception? How are these young women looking up and seeing someone that looks like them, preparing them for the future?’ It is all about visibility. Our young women need to see other women in positions of power to see that it truly is possible.”
EOU has that visibility with two assistant athletic directors on staff.
Eastern Oregon University’s Samantha Flett
Samantha Flett is the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communications at EOU. She also graduated from EOU (2012 for her BA in media arts and communications and 2014 for her MBA) and played for Weissenfluh.
“The thing I love most about EOU is being a part of the Mountie family,” said Flett. “I have been a member of Mountie Nation for years now from three different angles: back when I played women's basketball for Anji Weissenfluh (now my current boss), as an alumna that would travel back for sporting events and homecoming, and now as an AD working in the athletic department. The support and unity that comes with the history of EOU, especially from the Mountie family has not changed one bit.”
Flett now helps tell the stories of her Mountie family.
“My favorite part about being an AD, specifically on the marketing and communications side of it, is hearing all of our athletes’ stories,” said Flett. “I recently sat down with 15 of our athletes and interviewed them on ‘Why They Play’ and it was moving to hear 15 different stories of how they got where they are today. They truly are more than just a player on the field/court and it truly is more than just sports for them.”
Flett also sees the value in having women in sports and leadership roles.
“Women are rockstars,” said Flett. “It's amazing the things that women can do, on a daily basis they handle so much and can be so versatile with how they get things done. A lot of women in sports leadership roles have had some upbringing with sports or have played sports. Sports give you self-confidence, teach you work ethic, among many other things. Historically, there has always been the notion that women have to do more to prove that they belong, women have had to fight so hard and we are still fighting to this day for equal opportunity. I think that's why it's important to have women in sports and leadership roles, to continue to advocate for girls and women that we are strong, we are competitive, we are smart, and we can do anything if given the opportunity.”
Eastern Oregon University’s Mary Teresa Barnett
Mary Teresa Barnett is the Assistant AD for Student Success and Eligibility at EOU. She got her BA in human development with a certificate in family studies at Washington State (2014) and went on to get her master’s in education with a concentration in sports management at WSU as well.
While not an EOU grad, Barnett still loves being a Mountie and a part of “The Eastern Way.”
“This isn't just a saying that we use to make ourselves feel good,” said Barnett. “This is a way of living and a mentality that we use going into any task. It means doing things the right way and to the best of our ability. We don't settle in any regards and want to be at the forefront of any new innovation.”
Barnett sees that mentality in the EOU student-athletes day in and day out.
“Although a lot of my work is behind the scenes, I love seeing the student-athletes be able to represent Eastern on the athletic playing field because I know all the work that goes into getting them to game day,” said Barnett. “Each person's story is different, and I love seeing individuals come together to work towards a common goal.”
Barnett thinks having diversity in leadership helps stir up new ideas.
“It is important to have diverse individuals in leadership roles, women included, because it helps bring innovative ideas and also works as an accountability piece for others to not promote status quo,” said Barnett. “With there being a large portion of athletic departments being women's sports, it is vital that women can help critically assess if these and other teams' needs are being met. If you want to see your department grow and continuously flourish, hire someone that thinks differently than you and many times, because college athletics is male-dominated, that is a woman.”
College of Idaho’s Reagan Rossi
Reagan Rossi is the Vice President of Athletics for the College of Idaho, where she has been for 20 years, including five as the AD.
“Our small campus is roughly 47-percent student-athletes, which allows me the opportunity to work so closely with our campus to foster an environment that promotes athletic success in the game and in the classroom,” said Rossi. “At The College of Idaho, our students are true leaders and gain the opportunity to achieve their future goals.”
Rossi graduated from St. Ambrose University in 1994 with a degree in athletic training, before grabbing her master’s in sports administration and management from Morehead State in 2000. Before becoming the Coyote AD, Rossi coached the C of I women’s basketball team.
“Getting the opportunity to work daily with our student athletics and coaches, coaching them to become the best versions of themselves,” said Rossi on what she loves about being an AD.
Rossi knows the importance of seeing women in leadership roles as well, something she embraces.
“Women in leadership roles allow for a new perspective to shine, especially in athletics,” said Rossi. “As a female leader, I embrace the importance of the role of demonstrating that you can truly do it all, balancing a family life and a professional career. So often young girls feel forced to pick either a career or a family, and it is important that they have role models that promote the ability to do both. It also provides a new avenue for mentorship of all our student-athletes, promoting grace and respect amongst all our athletes.”
College of Idaho’s Danielle Brazil
Danielle Brazil is the Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Compliance at her alma mater. She graduated from C of I in 2005 and got her master’s at Idaho State in 2007. Brazil returned to C of I four years ago and has deep Coyote ties – her husband is a former Coyote soccer player.
“I love the history and tradition of excellence we have at The College of Idaho,” said Brazil on what she loves about C of I. “So many great student-athletes have built our institution to what it is now. I have no doubt that our current athletes will continue to add to that legacy.”
Working in the Coyote athletic department allows Brazil to help her student-athletes even beyond college.
“Being an AD is rewarding in so many ways,” said Brazil. “I enjoy connecting with the student-athletes and helping them realize their goals both during their time at the C of I, but also after college as they begin their professional journey. I also enjoy bringing the community together for our events. When we have a sunny, packed Simplot Stadium on a football Saturday, with people smiling, having fun and cheering on their Yotes, there is not a better feeling!”
When it comes to leaders, Brazil thinks who that person is will determine the success they have but also sees women in leadership roles can help other women go after their dreams.
“I honestly don't look at or feel that gender plays much of a role in the success of a leader, or an athletic administrator,” said Brazil. “I believe authenticity, vision, and support for those you lead play the biggest role in being truly successful. If being a female in a leadership role helps other females realize their dreams and goals, then that's just a positive by-product in my view.”
LCSC’s Brooke Henze
Brooke Henze is the Director of Athletics at CCC newcomer Lewis-Clark State College, where she also got her undergrad degree. She graduated from LC State with a bachelor’s in communication in 2001 and grabbed her master’s in education, athletic administration from Gonzaga University in 2007.
Henze has been the AD for the Warriors for four years and loves “the people! Our campus community is the best.” Her favorite part about being an AD is the “student-athletes and the successes they have on and off the court” – something her Warriors have seen a bit this year with three CCC conference championships so far this year.
Like other women leaders, Henze agrees that women in leadership roles are important.
“Seeing qualified women in sports leadership positions can serve as a strong motivator for female athletes,” said Henze.
Corban’s Sue Roth
Sue Roth is the Director of Athletics at Corban University, where she’s been since 2016. She graduated from George Fox University in 1986 with a degree in home economics.
“Corban is a perfect environment for coaches and student-athletes to thrive,” said Roth. “I love that each of our coaches see their opportunity to mentor and disciple their athletes to become outstanding community members. I love that our faculty and coach are partners in training up young men and women. We get to do all this in the beautiful Northwest on a beautiful campus.”
Roth loves being an AD because she gets to support “the staff and coaches so that they can give our student-athletes the best opportunity to excel and grow; to become difference-makers in the world.”
When Roth was in college, she played basketball and volleyball and has continued to be involved with sports ever since, something she thinks played a big part in shaping who she is today.
“Personally, being a collegiate athlete was instrumental in making me the professional that I am today,” said Roth. “I emphatically believe that being on an athletic team builds leadership skills along with so many other team skills. Women who participate in collegiate sports only enhance the community and workforce. Women are becoming more and more valued as strong leaders in every sector and so to have more women in sports is key to building strong community and business.”
The Evergreen State College’s Megan Lobdell
Megan Lobdell is the Assistant Director for Intercollegiate Athletics/Sports Information Director at The Evergreen State College. She graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2010 with a degree in communications/public relations, with a minor in journalism.
“I love the community and support that we bring,” said Lobdell. “I love working with our coaches, student-athletes and campus community. Everyone is here to help each other out. When I was first joined the school, everyone was so helpful and there to answer questions when I had them.”
Lobdell also believes in diversity in leadership, especially with women, especially if it helps inspire younger women.
“Diversity in leadership is important to have as everyone brings a different perspective,” said Lobdell. “Having women in a leadership role in sports is a strong motivator for other females looking to get into the business. For me, I saw other female ADs in the business growing up and was like that was something I could do to and became my dream.”
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Jaime Long
Jaime Long is the Director of Athletics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an associate member at the CCC – the Eagles compete in the CCC in men’s wrestling. She graduated from Bethune-Cookman University in 2002 with a degree in science before getting her master’s in sports administration at Northcentral University in 2014.
“Working with the scholar-athletes,” said the former biology major on why Long loves being an AD. “I like to help provide all the resources necessary to have a quality academic and athletic experience at ERAU. It's great to get out and watch all of their hard work come to fruition when they play.”
Long really loves ERAU and its students.
“It's a tremendous blend of academics and athletics,” said Long. “The scholar-athletes are extremely motivated and it's fun to witness their successes in the classroom, athletic field of competition, and after graduation.”
Long became ERAU’s AD in 2017, after spending two years as an assistant AD with the Eagles before that.
“I think that having women in athletic leadership provides balance to this profession,” said Long. “Women leaders provide a voice for our female athletes, since most of us have had the experience themselves as a student-athlete and/or coach we can provide a unique perspective.”
BU’s Sarah Freeman
Sarah Freeman is the Associate Athletic Director at Bushnell University, as well as a CCC-SAAC advisor. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2001 and got her MBA from Bushnell in 2010.
“I love working with college students,” said Freeman. “I get to partner with them on their journey to discovering who and what they want to be. For most, I just get to be a cheerleader but for some, I get to provide a little extra support. Seeing our student-athletes grow and achieve their goals is so rewarding. I also get to combine my love of athletics and travel. I have been with our students on the sidelines and locker rooms, in the classroom, in many different countries, and my favorite memories come from taking our students out of their elements and seeing them thrive at something they didn't even know they could do. Being able to do something I'm passionate about every day and working alongside so many other amazing female leaders is truly remarkable.”
Freeman, who has her pilot’s license, made a pivot later in her life and fell in love with Bushnell.
“Bushnell is all about community,” said Freeman. “I came here for a job but found my calling and fell in love with Christian Higher Education. Our location is amazing, our students get to be part of a large university town while also enjoying the benefits of a small intimate college experience. I love that our undergraduate population is 50% student-athletes. Our athletes are embraced, valued, and supported.”
Freeman knows the importance of seeing women in leadership roles.
“Representation matters,” said Freeman. “It is so important for all genders to see women in leadership so that it becomes normalized and obtainable. I am so proud to be in the CCC where women in leadership is prevalent, promoted, and celebrated.”
Northwest University’s Ashton Wheeler
Ashton Wheeler is the Operations Coordinator at Northwest University, where she has a lot of leadership responsibilities. She graduated from Biola University in 2016 with a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in physical education.
Wheeler made her way back to NU – where she played two seasons of volleyball – in 2017 and fell back in love with it. She also married a former Eagle men’s soccer player.
“Northwest is a small, tight-knit community and I love that I see familiar faces everywhere I go,” said Wheeler. “I can build relationships with most of our athletes and get to know many of them personally.”
Wheeler takes getting to know the Eagles to heart, trying to provide the best experience for them on and off the field/court.
“I love when I can make our student-athletes feel valued and important for the work they do in their sport,” said Wheeler. “Most of them have put in countless years for their sport, and after four short years here, they might not compete again. I want to make their final years the best experience I possibly can.”
Wheeler also echoes other’s sentiments of seeing women in leadership roles.
“I think variety, in general, within an athletic department is important in order to create a broader perspective,” said Wheeler. “Women often help present a different viewpoint and can also help connect better with the female athlete population. Female athletes are getting more opportunities and getting increasingly competitive every year and having a female leader to mentor them is invaluable.”