Smith College Director of Athletics Kristin Hughes has been named the 2023 Division III Nike Executive of the Year, as chosen by Women Leaders in College Sports. The Women Leaders in College Sports Nike Executive of the Year award is presented annually to Women Leaders in College Sports members for significant contributions made as a senior-level administrator of intercollegiate athletics. Members in each NCAA division [Division I, FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA/NJCAA or Conference/Organization] are chosen.
Women Leaders is committed to recognizing the achievements and successes of women working in sports. Celebrating these accomplishments is an integral piece of advancing women in sports.
"We are thrilled to celebrate this group of outstanding women who are blazing trails in the sports industry," says Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports. "These women are the definition of leaders and innovators. They are highly deserving of their awards, and we can't wait to honor them in New Orleans."
Hughes has served as the Director of Athletics at Smith College since the summer of 2015, overseeing the college's 11 NCAA Division III varsity athletics teams and a robust recreation program that benefits the entire college community. She has been an advocate in bringing nationally renowned speakers to campus, providing educational programming on topics such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and mental health. In her time at Smith, she has initiated a number of groundbreaking projects such as the Friends of Athletics Endowment, facility rebranding, and an annual Giving Day. In 2022-23, under Hughes' leadership, the Pioneers enjoyed one of the best years in Smith's rich athletics history as the basketball team advanced to the national semifinals for the first time in school history. Smith student-athletes continued to excel in the classroom, boasting an impressive 3.67 GPA.
"Anyone who works in athletics knows that these awards are truly a reflection of all the incredible work done by our student-athletes, coaches and other administrators," said Hughes. "I really appreciate Women Leaders for giving me this recognition along with the people who made the effort to nominate me. Most importantly, I am so grateful to all the coaches and staff I get to show up with every day...truly a special group of people."
These recipients will be recognized at the Women Leaders National Convention held in New Orleans from October 8-10th.
Nominated by their peers and selected by the Women Leaders Awards Committee for their service during 2022-2023, the award recipients are:
- NCAA Division I FBS Nike Executive of the Year: Julie Cromer, Director of Athletics, Ohio University
- NCAA Division I FCS Nike Executive of the Year: Lisa Archbald, Associate Commissioner for Compliance and Governance/SWA, Northeast Conference
- NCAA Division I Nike Executive of the Year: Amanda Braun, Director of Athletics, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
- NCAA Division II Nike Executive of the Year: Jennifer Bell, Director of Athletics, Converse University
- NCAA Division III Nike Executive of the Year: Kristin Hughes, Director of Athletics, Smith College
- Association/Organization Nike Executive of the Year: DeeDee Merritt, Director of Leadership Development, NCAA
- NAIA Executive of the Year: Janet Eaton-Smith, Vice President of Athletics, Lourdes University
- Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year: Marchelle "Cricket" Lane, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
"Kristin's dedication and commitment to Smith College Athletics is unquestionable and has resulted in department-wide success at both the conference and national levels. I'm thrilled that she's is being recognized by her peers as the NCAA Division III Nike Executive of the Year and would like to personally thank her for her leadership in the NEWMAC."
- Patrick Summers, NEWMAC Executive Director
"As an athletics director at a historically women's college, Kristin has not only made it her mission to advance athletics for women, but has succeeded in positioning Smith as a nationally recognized athletics program, while simultaneously providing an elite experience for all student-athletes. Kristin has always said, "we win with people," and has an unwavering commitment to our coaches and staff. She embodies what it means to be a truly outstanding leader, and makes me want to be a better colleague, leader and person."
- Jess Duff, Smith College Associate Athletic Director
"Kristin
is an influential and compassionate leader who champions equity, inclusion, and mental health. Her tireless efforts have led to securing resources and implementing initiatives that make our athletics program more inclusive and supportive. Throughout my tenure working alongside Kristin, I have been inspired by her unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and student-athlete welfare. She is a trailblazer in promoting women's athletics and consistently leads with fairness, passion, empathy, and integrity.
-Greg Walker, Smith Volleyball Head Coach | USA Men's Sitting National Team Head Coach
"Such a prestigious award requires an administrator that exceeds all expectations and truly is a gifted leader of people. Kristin is indeed that for Smith College and our athletics family. She has created an infectious new vision for our coaches and student-athletes, set a tone of leadership with strong and visible habits to create change, built trust and cohesion by investing in people and motivated teams to believe and strive for the competitive unknown. As the head basketball coach, I have felt Kristin's leadership transcend into my coaching, pushing me and our athletes to expect and work for excellence in all areas of our experience. To be great on and off the court, it takes purpose and precision, authenticity, unconditional support and a belief in the possibilities. She holds these ideals with care and an entire department has followed. We are so thrilled Women Leaders has recognized the talents we witness every day."
- Lynn Hersey, Smith Basketball Head Coach
"Kristin encourages those working with her to dream big, solve problems, and stretch boldly toward making an impact. Her vision encompasses the idea that sports can be a lever to engage the college with broader community. She believes in the transformative power of sport to cultivate leadership, bring people together, and build core and essential skills. Beyond her work in athletics, Kristin is an exemplary leader and role model for women on campus. She is committed to mentoring and developing student-athletes and coaches and has established programs that provide opportunities for students to learn leadership skills and connect with successful women in their field. In addition, she is a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of our community.
- Sam Intrator, Chair of the Department of Education and Child Study at Smith College
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
