The Pathway to Excellence Grant provides funding for full-time, entry-level athletics administrative positions for two academic years. It aims to support schools and conferences committed to increasing underrepresented groups in these roles. The positions offer experience in areas such as strategic planning, budget management, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.
| -- |
Kelly Anderson Diercks |
Director of Athletics at College of Saint Benedict |
| -- |
Brittany Feser Heinz |
Former Associate Director for Athletic Facilities and Operations at Florida Gulf Coast University |
| -- |
Natalie Arians |
Former Assistant Commissioner at Upper Midwest Athletic Conference |
| -- |
Afton Goebel |
runDisney Race Operations Event Managerr at Disney Sports/ESPN Wide World of Sports |
| -- |
Megan Gaard Gunderson |
Former Head Women's Tennis Coach at St. Catherine University |
| 2016-17 |
Sheridan Blanford |
Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at University of Washington |
| 2017-18 |
Lindsay Madryga |
Director of Athletic Communications at St. Catherine University |
| 2019-20 |
Emily Carr |
Senior Program Manager at Special Olympics Minnesota |
| 2022-23 |
Emma Nelson |
Assistant Volleyball Coach at Augustana University |
| 2023-24 |
Jax Collins |
MBA Candidate at University of Minnesota |
| Years |
Name |
Post-MIAC Position |