LATHAM, NY - Penn College's Britni Mohney and Penn State Abington's Emily Vile were selected to attend the NCAA Division III Senior Woman Administrator Program earlier this month at the NCAA National Office.

At the recommendation of the Division III Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, in 2016, the NCAA governance staff partnered with Women Leaders in Sports to offer a new professional development opportunity for Division III Senior Woman Administrators (SWAs).  Annually, Division III provides funding for 30 SWAs to attend a division-specific program. 

"There is a dynamic shift when you’re in a room of strong women leaders who champion each other; by sharing their stories, strengths, and struggles.  Throughout the course of the program we learned of the history and growth of the SWA designation.  What we have seen is the success of women’s sport grow exponentially with record breaking participation numbers, and even an increased leadership representation," noted Mohney. "I have always known that my heart lies at Division III, and being at this program solidified that even more.  Out of all the Divisions in NCAA, Division III has the highest number of female athletic directors at 145.  The SWA designation is integral because it provides a visible presence and diverse voice; and it also helps women see that we can thrive in a career in athletics.  Women have fought for their voices to be heard, for an opportunity to be at the table.  Now, rooms are finding us, and that is a promising and powerful shift for our future." 

The program’s goal is to provide professional development and networking opportunities for SWAs, in particular those seeking to become athletics directors and/or conference commissioners.  Topics discussed will cover a variety of professional development topics that may include preparing your resume and cover letter for the athletics director search, networking, budgeting, positioning yourself to become an athletics director, the presidents perspective, working with and collaborating with athletics directors, and discussing the SWA’s current role and responsibilities. 

"I am incredibly grateful to Ali Spungen and Natalia Herrera for organizing such a wonderful program, and to my athletic director, Erin Foley, for encouraging me to apply. Being surrounded by so many women in senior leadership positions was truly an empowering experience. The program provided me with so many tools and resources to grow and develop professionally into this role," said Vile. "As someone who is very new to this role, the experience not only deepened my understanding of the designation but also showed me the many ways to maximize the role. This program has had a profound impact on me personally and professionally, however, I am most importantly honored to now be part of a cohort of powerful women whom I can rely on and support in return. I cannot recommend this program enough to anyone interested."

Mohney serves as the Assistant Director of Athletics and SWA at Penn College, while also acting as the Head Women's Basketball Coach. Vile is the Head Athletic Trainer and SWA at Penn State Abington.