NIRSA

Members can vote on proposed bylaws amendments in early March

Lexi Chaput and James Wilkening — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 04:41:47 +0000

Between March 3 and March 6, current NIRSA members will have an opportunity to vote on proposed amendments to NIRSA bylaws. The proposed changes are intended to help modernize the association, specifically around how the committee charged with nominating and appointing volunteers to critical leadership positions—the NIRSA Nominations and Appointments Committee—is constituted and how they are allowed to fulfill their charges.

The proposed changes would:

Extend the term length for Nominations & Appointments Committee volunteers
Reduce geographical limitations on who could serve on the Nominations & Appointments Committee
Reduce the size of the Nominations & Appointments Committee
Eliminate seats designated for a past president of NIRSA and the current NIRSA Student Leader
Modernize committee structures

Full redline changes and additional rational details can be found on the Elections page of the NIRSA website.

Explore redline edits of proposed amendments

2026 bylaws amendment vote

Members will be invited to vote on the proposed bylaws between March 3 and March 6. Verify that your membership is current by 8:00am Pacific on March 2 to ensure you are eligible to vote in the bylaws election.

My NIRSA profile

Thanks to volunteers

The NIRSA Governance Review Steering Committee spearheaded these proposed amendments as part of their work to evaluate key areas of NIRSA’s current leadership structure and ensure it continues to meet the needs of members, reflects best practices, and supports the Association’s long-term strategic goals. Thanks are due to:

James Wilkening, Committee Chair, Executive Director at the University of Central Florida
Lexi Chaput, Associate Director of Programs at the University of Michigan
David Davenport, Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellbeing at Austin Peay State University
Janice DeMonsi, Director of Recreation at Santa Clara University
Marty Dempsey, Director, Administration & Capital Projects at the University of Florida
Greg Durham, Director of Partnerships and Programs at the Georgia Institute of Technology
Rodo Leone, Executive Director of Recreation at Rutgers University
Lexi Morrissey, Coordinator, Competitive Sports at Weber State University
Marti Tomlin, Director, University Recreation at the University of Richmond
Wendy Windsor, Director, Campus Recreation at Tulane University

For more information about NIRSA elections, contact NIRSA Member Engagement Manager Natasha Fischer.

Start making plans to support the future of campus rec in National Harbor

Becky Sowers — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:30:59 +0000

The NIRSA Foundation is excited to announce several ways to support the future of campus recreation at the 2026 NIRSA+IDEA ® World Conference & Expo, happening in National Harbor, MD, April 7-10.

This conference is going to be special and campus recreation professionals from across the career spectrum—from aspiring and emerging young professionals to established and influential leaders on campus—won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to learn alongside professionals from the broader fitness and wellness industry. There is no better chance in 2026 to build connections, share and advance your ideas, and discover best practices and innovative approaches to programs, services, and management.

Have fun or add some new drip to your closet all while supporting a good cause

There are three great avenues to support the future of campus recreation this spring in National Harbor:

Golf

The 21^st NIRSA Foundation Golf Tournament will happen Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the National Golf Club in Ft. Washington, MD. Designed by one of America’s most imaginative and innovative golf course architects, Ted Robinson, this rolling course is just a few miles away from the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center.

Enjoying time with colleagues, clients, vendors and friends is the is a great way to start off your time at the event. Through January 31, early bird registration is $250 per person/$1,000 per foursome and includes breakfast, golf fees, swag bag, and lunch. Net proceeds benefit the NIRSA Foundation and support ongoing learning experiences and research opportunities for NIRSA members.

Pickleball

The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament returns to the Expo in 2026, and we are excited to announce Selkirk as our Presenting Sponsor. Happening on Wednesday and Thursday at the NIRSA and IDEA® World Expo, the Big Dill is fun for beginners as well as serious pickleball players vying for the Golden Pickle trophy!

NEW: we are challenging the teams this year to up their game look with a “Best Dressed” award, which will be voted on by spectators. There are only slots for 40 pairs, so register soon! The $25 entry for each player/$50 per pair will benefit the NIRSA Foundation.

Apparel

The NIRSA Foundation is excited to offer opportunities to purchase premium apparel and swag items at affordable prices during the 2026 NIRSA+IDEA World Conference. The “Premium SWAG Pop Up Shop” will be located alongside the NIRSA Foundation Table and features a variety of apparel from popular brands like Nike, Under Armour, Columbia, Adidas, etc. Proceeds from the sale of items supports NIRSA Foundation beneficiaries.

Questions about how and what to donate, along with any other questions about supporting the NIRSA Foundation in National Harbor this spring, can be directed to NIRSA Foundation Director of Philanthropy Becky Sowers.

Members on the Move – January 2026

Megan Granholm — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:17:14 +0000

Congratulations to the following movers and shakers within NIRSA!

Are you on the move? Update your profile!

Members on the Move

Cierra Abbott, formerly Assistant Director of Campus Recreation- Recreational Sports at Western Colorado University, is now Sales Executive at Innosoft Fusion.

George Ballart, formerly Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at SUNY Brockport, is now Associate Director of Campus Recreation at SUNY Brockport.

Christopher Crume, formerly Director of Aquatics, Intramurals, and Recreation at Denison University, is now Executive Director at Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA.

Annie Delehanty, formerly Assistant Director for Student Organizations & Club Sports at Middlebury College, is now Assistant Director of Sport Clubs at Duke University.

Hugh Dennis, formerly Lerner Scheduling and Evening Coordinator at The George Washington University, is now Operations and Events Manager at The George Washington University.

Makayla Ferguson, formerly Group Exercise & Membership Specialist at University At Albany, is now Assistant Director for Group Exercise, Memberships, Programming at University At Albany.

Andrew Hay, formerly Manager, Systems & Strategic Initiatives at Toronto Metropolitan University, is now Manager, Recreation Systems, Assessment & Planning at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Katie Kennedy, formerly at University of Illinois Springfield, is now at University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Matt Krause, formerly Supervisor of Officials at Lamar University, is now Coordinator of Competitive Sports at Lamar University.

Jeremiah Lester, formerly Program Coordinator – Facilities and Aquatics at Loyola University Chicago, is now Program Coordinator – Facilities, Aquatics, and Risk Management at Loyola University Chicago.

Faith Nelson, formerly Satellite Facilities Coordinator at The Ohio State University, is now RPAC Facility Coordinator at The Ohio State University.

Sophie Pickard, formerly Senior Coordinator, Intramurals at University of Ottawa, is now Senior Coordinator, Intramurals Programs & Events at University of Ottawa.

James Walczyk, formerly Director of Campus Recreation at University of South Carolina-Columbia, is now Senior Director of Campus Recreation at University of South Carolina-Columbia.

Andrew Winscot, formerly Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at University of Nebraska At Kearney, is now Director of Campus Recreation at University of Nebraska At Kearney.

Students Advancing to Professional Membership

Benjamin Allen, Wingate University.

Retiring Members

Pauline Habetz, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Stacey Hall, University of New Hampshire.

Pam Su, University of California, San Francisco.

James Todd, University of New Mexico.

Are you on the move? Update your profile!

Heart of the Series: The work behind the work teams

Stephanie Calhoun — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:02:49 +0000

Every championship moment in the NIRSA Championship Series—every final whistle, every award ceremony, every team photo under the lights—begins long before players and officials ever arrive. Behind each regional and national event is a dedicated network of volunteers serving on the NIRSA Championship Series’ six Work Teams:

Analysis & Development
Basketball
Community, Connection & Service
Flag Football
Soccer
Standards of Competition
Unified

These one-year appointments carry the heartbeat of The Series. Work Team members shape policies, build resources, support host sites, train volunteers, and set the stage for hundreds of programs and thousands of participants. Quite simply: we cannot do this work without them.

And for those who step up to serve, the reward is just as meaningful.

People who serve on Work Teams often describe the experience as transformative: a chance to deepen their connection to The Series, expand their skills, and work alongside passionate professionals from across the country.

Pay it forward

Clifford Richardson, Coordinator of Competitive Sports and Camps at Oklahoma State University and current member of the Flag Football Work Team says that he volunteers because he wants to give back to the system that helped shape him:

“I volunteer with a NIRSA Championship Series Work Team because I want to give others the same development-focused opportunities that helped shape my own growth…I’d encourage others to apply because The Series offers meaningful mentorship, hands-on experience, and a chance to contribute to high-quality championship events that truly make an impact.”

Shape your professional identity

For some, Work Teams become a meaningful extension of their professional identity.
Samantha Wary, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and current member of the Analysis & Development and Standards of Competition Work Team explains how volunteering helped her find her place in the broader NIRSA community:

“I have volunteered with the Analysis and Development and Standards Work Team for a few years now. This experience has truly helped me find my place as a professional in NIRSA, after having the opportunity to enjoy the positive impacts of the NIRSA Championship Series as a student. These experiences are available to all, whether you have years of experience or are just starting out. This openness and accessibility to such extraordinary opportunities allows all people with a desire to serve others and to learn and grow to find their own pathway to do so. If you’re interested in getting involved with NIRSA but don’t know where to start, the Work Teams are a great entry point. It allows you to make a significant impact on the championship experience, and it is incredibly rewarding.”

Discover inspiration

Others find inspiration in the collaborative, nationwide network of volunteers who bring NIRSA events to life. Rachel Lucas, Coordinator of Sport & Youth Programs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and current member of the Soccer Work Team describes how the teamwork and shared mission have shaped her experience:

“Volunteering with the NIRSA Soccer Work Team has been an incredibly valuable experience. I’ve been a member for two years now and it’s inspiring to collaborate with like-minded individuals from across the nation who share a passion for enhancing the quality of NIRSA Soccer regional and national tournaments. In my role, I’ve gained meaningful insight into participant and staff experiences through surveys, which directly inform how we continue to improve our events. Being part of this Work Team has strengthened my professional skills, expanded my network, and deepened my connection to the NIRSA community. I highly encourage others to apply if you’re looking for a rewarding way to make an impact while working with an amazing group of people!”

Connect your passion with purpose

And for many new professionals, this is where passion meets purpose. Sebastian Prado, Intramural Sports and Spartan Greens Coordinator at Michigan State University and current member of the Soccer Work Team captures it perfectly:

“As a young professional, the idea of collaborating with other professionals from different institutions all working towards a similar goal lights a fire in me. Volunteering with a Work Team presents the opportunity for me to share ideas, learn from those around me, and contribute to something wonderful. The NIRSA Championship Series is something I have worked to be a part of, and volunteering with a Work Team allows me to achieve that goal. Sports are everything to me and being a volunteer brings a smile to my face.”

So, why volunteer?

Whether your strength is program analysis, sport-specific knowledge, community building, or event logistics—there is a Work Team that fits your skills and interests.

Volunteering gives you:

A national network of peers and mentors
Hands-on experience that grows your leadership and sport administration skills
A meaningful role in shaping championship experiences for thousands of students
A deeper connection to The Series—and to the people who make it what it is

This work is important. It is collaborative. It is energizing. And it depends entirely on volunteers willing to step forward.

Volunteer applications are now open for the 2026-2027 season and The Series needs you; the deadline to apply is January 29.

If reading this sparked something in you, we hope you will apply. If it brings a specific colleague to mind, we encourage you to invite them to apply.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your passion matters. And your contribution can shape the next generation of NIRSA Championship Series events.

Join the people who keep The Series moving forward. Join the people who believe in doing this work for the right reasons. Join the people who make The Series feel like home.

Because at the end of the day… the volunteers are, and always will be, the Heart of the Series.

Apply to serve on a Work Team by January 29

For more information, contact NIRSA Director of National Sports Programs, Nicole Jackson.

Looking back at the 2025 NIRSA National Soccer Championships

Lauren Carlson — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:03:50 +0000

Overland Park, Kansas was the site for the exciting 31^st NIRSA National Soccer Championships, held November 20-22. While the weather was a bit questionable, the competition was as fierce as ever.

Men’s Championship Division

Tell me if you’ve heard this before: Brigham Young University won the men’s national championship. It was the program’s sixth consecutive title, seven of the last eight tournaments and ninth overall, a NIRSA soccer record.

BYU’s road to the Men’s Championship Division title was anything but easy this year—every opponent made them earn every inch of their playoff run. In the playoffs, Virginia Tech threw down the challenge immediately, forcing BYU into a tight, defensive battle. The Hokies held the Cougars to a narrow 1–0 victory, setting the tone for what would become a grind-it-out journey to the final. Next up for BYU: the University of Arkansas. The Razorbacks came in with intensity and physicality, making BYU work for every chance. Still, BYU found the breakthroughs they needed, securing a 2–0 win and punching their ticket to the semifinal.

The semifinal matchup against Boston College was a true test of momentum and composure. BC kept pushing, answering BYU’s pressure with energy of their own, but BYU held strong. With a clutch 2–1 win, they earned their spot in the championship game. And then came the final: BYU vs. UCLA. As the sun began to set, the energy was electric. BYU struck early, putting the pressure squarely on the Bruins—but UCLA refused to back down. They battled for every 50/50 ball, countered with speed, and played with the kind of grit that kept the entire stadium locked in. Every minute felt like a momentum swing.

“BYU’s discipline, structure, and sheer determination ultimately carried them through.”

But BYU’s discipline, structure, and sheer determination ultimately carried them through. UCLA fought until the final whistle, but the early goal stood as the difference. BYU capped off their intense playoff run with a 1–0 victory—raising the championship trophy after proving they could withstand every challenge thrown their way. A championship earned the hard way…which always makes a win even sweeter.

Women’s Championship Division

Michigan State University stormed into the women’s playoffs with confidence, opening their run with a commanding 3–0 victory over the University of Illinois. Their offense was sharp, their back line was solid, and they looked every bit like a team ready to make a push deep into the tournament. But the University of Texas quickly reminded them that nothing in the playoffs comes easy. In a fiercely competitive quarterfinal, Texas kept the pressure high and the pace relentless. Michigan State had to stay composed, disciplined, and opportunistic—earning a tight 1–0 win that forced them to raise their level heading into the semifinals.

That boost of determination showed. Facing the University of Tennessee in the semifinal round, Michigan State found their rhythm again, controlling the match and securing a confident 2–0 victory. With momentum on their side, they booked their place in the championship match. And then came the final test: San Diego State. A program with championship history, a reputation for toughness, and one of the most consistent teams in recent years. The final turned into a tactical battle, with end-to-end intensity, no easy chances, and both defenses refusing to break. Regulation ended scoreless. Extra time passed in a tense stalemate. And finally, it came down to kicks from the penalty spot.

“Michigan State stayed composed, stepped up with purpose, and delivered when it mattered most.”

With everything on the line, Michigan State stayed composed, stepped up with purpose, and delivered when it mattered most—securing the 1–0 win and claiming the Women’s Championship title in unforgettable fashion: A championship earned the Spartan way.

Open Division Champions

Cal Poly opened their Men’s Open playoff journey with confidence and composure, securing a clean 2–0 victory over Quinnipiac University to set the tone for the rest of their run. The win showcased their discipline on both sides of the ball and gave them the momentum they needed heading into the tougher rounds. Next up was UC Santa Barbara—an in-state matchup loaded with intensity and history. Cal Poly knew this wouldn’t be a walk, but they kept the grind alive and rose to the moment. Their attack clicked beautifully, and their defense held strong, powering them to an impressive 3–0 semifinal victory that punched their ticket to the championship match.

The final brought the ultimate California showdown: Cal Poly vs. San Diego State. A clash of styles, a battle of pride, and a fight for the top spot. Both teams pushed the pace, created chances, and refused to give an inch. But in the end, Cal Poly found the breakthrough that mattered. With a decisive 1–0 win, they claimed the Men’s Open Championship—capping off an impressive playoff run and a Open Division Championship title brought home to San Luis Obispo.

UCLA kicked off their Women’s Open Division playoff journey with authority, earning a solid 2–0 victory over Miami University. The Bruins controlled the pace from start to finish, showcasing a balanced attack and a back line that refused to bend—setting the tone for their push toward the title. Their semifinal matchup brought a familiar challenge: fellow California contender UC Davis. UC Davis came out fast, pressing hard and capitalizing on every opportunity, but UCLA stayed steady. In a tight 2–1 battle, the Bruins’ determination and composure shined through as they secured the crucial win that sent them into the championship match.

“UCLA played with confidence, connection, and a level of focus that championship teams are made of.”

The final pitted them against Purdue University, a team known for physicality and disciplined defending. But UCLA rose above the pressure of the moment. They played with confidence, connection, and a level of focus that championship teams are made of. With a 2–0 victory, the Bruins sealed the deal and claimed the Women’s Open Championship crown. UCLA proved they were the team to beat, and they finished on top.

Looking beyond competition

Winning the sportsmanship awards were Cornell University in the Women’s Division and the Weber State University in the Men’s Division. Both schools should be commended for their outstanding sporting behavior and fair play during the tournament.

Thank you!

We would like to thank our official ball sponsor Select Sport America and our exclusive officiating platform provider RQ+.

A special thank you goes to the city of Overland Park for their outstanding assistance as host of the NIRSA National Soccer Championships. We look forward to coming back in the future. More results are available on the NIRSA Championship Series Soccer webpage.

Thank you to all our officials and to the following tournament staff:

Hanna Anderson, Purdue University
Peter Aysseh, University of South Carolina
Cait Carney, Northwestern University
Dianna Choque, University of Tennessee
Brittany Close, Creighton University
Shane Conti, Boston College
Pedro Niccolini Coelho, USC Columbia
Abbie Cunningham, Texas A&M College Station
Noel Durante, Missouri State University
Jeff Eckert, NIRSA
Connor Haines, Georgia Southern
Lauren Hoffman, Cornell University
Jonathan Johnston, East Texas A&M University
Jerrell Kelly, University of Colorado Boulder
Paul Klein, The University of Texas at Dallas
Rachel Lucas, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Madi Luney, Sam Houston State University
John McNeal, University of Alabama
Genevieve Nhan, University of Texas at Austin
Valeria Ortega, The University of Texas at Austin
Sebastian Prado, Michigan State University
Ashley Schmidt, Clemson University
John Scrimger, Texas Tech University
Keegan Sheffler, West Virginia University
Courtney Sherwin, UC Santa Cruz
Sierra Smith, NIRSA
Yadira Soto, University of California, Irvine
Nicole Stallard, Northwestern University
Jacob Steffen, West Virginia University
Lulu Troll, University of New Hampshire
Jared Tollas, Texas Tech University Gresh Urbanowski, The University of Texas at Austin
Eric Vaughn, Missouri State
Camie Williams, Pittsburg State University
Dan Wrenholt, Washburn University

Finally, tremendous thanks are owed to the tournament’s directors:

Tournament Director, Nicole Jackson, NIRSA Headquarters
Assistant Tournament Director, Lauren Carlson, NIRSA Headquarters
Co-Director of Competition, Laurel Hanna, University of Michigan
Co-Director of Competition, Max Miller, Swarthmore College
Assistant Director of Competition, Mario Rios, Tarleton University
Director of Operations, Brooks Ford, The University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Director of Operations, Alex Pendar, University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Director of Officials, Abby Van Note, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Assistant Director of Officials, Christian Ramirez, Loyola Marymount University
TEAL, Keith Woolems, University of Portland
TEAL, Jessica Cuadra, Duke University
TEAL, Sophia Caro, University of Texas at Dallas
TEAL, Christopher Baunoch, Georgetown University
Tournament Host, Eric Olson, Overland Park
Tournament Host, Chad McFarland, Overland Park
Soccer Work Team Co-Chair, Alex Pendar, University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Soccer Work Team Co-Chair, Gresh Urbanowski, The University of Texas at Austin

This tournament would not have been possible without the contributions of everyone involved. Congratulations to all the teams and staff for making the tournament experience a wonderful one. We hope to see everyone next year at the 2026 NIRSA National Soccer Championships!

For more information, contact NIRSA National Sport Programs Coordinator, Lauren Carlson.

New Members – December 2025

Megan Granholm — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:53:17 +0000

Join us in welcoming our new professional, student, institutional and associate members who are now part of the NIRSA community. The following members joined NIRSA as of December 14, 2025.

Professional Members

Katrina BeasleyUniversity of LouisvilleJosie CoffeyUniversity At AlbanyRichard DaHomeNorthern Illinois UniversityTyler EllisLouisiana State University

Reagan GlatterTexas Tech UniversityKylie GravesNorthern Kentucky UniversityAustin JacobsThe Catholic University of AmericaTrevor PendergrassYoung Harris College

Marlene SchulteNorthern Kentucky UniversitySydnee WeinbergRutgers University-New BrunswickGrace WellsCollin College – Plano CampusAndrew WilesMount St. Mary’s University

Student Members

Josh AldinorUniversity of ArizonaPeter AyssehUniversity of South Carolina-ColumbiaRaven CriscitelloUniversity of Wisconsin- Madison

Ryan DennehyUniversity of ArizonaSarah EwingUniversity of Wisconsin- MadisonSarah MessingBowling Green State University

Matayia ThompsonUniversity of North Dakota

Questions? Contact the NIRSA Membership Services Coordinator, Megan Granholm for help getting connected with your colleagues.

Members on the Move – December 2025

Megan Granholm — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:48:40 +0000