A Senior Woman Administrator wears a lot of leadership hats, and the Pacific West Conference has some great women in those positions at their 11 schools. 

Today, let's meet Academy of Art's Beth Allen. The former professional golfer is the Urban Knight's women's golf coach and SWA and has been on campus since October of 2022. Prior to arriving in San Francisco, Allen played on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA for 17 years. She has been active off the course serving in various roles to promote the sport. The 2004 Big West Golfer of the Year and NCAA All-American, Beth graduated from Cal State Northridge.

At what point did you know that you wanted to work in Athletics and what was the attraction to the SWA position?
I think I’ve known that I’ve wanted to work in athletics my entire life. I played multiple sports growing up and my dream then was to get an athletic scholarship to any university. I attended Cal State Northridge and led my team to two conference championships and was an All-American my senior year. This gave me the confidence I needed to turn professional and had a wonderful career on tour for 17 years. I knew that when my playing career was finished I wanted to coach and although I’ve only been in the SWA role for just over a year, it feels like I’m exactly where I want to be. The SWA position was attractive to me because I am eager to learn more about the NCAA, PacWest and the legislative process of both entities. I served as a member of the board on the Ladies European Tour and really enjoyed the process. I have learned a lot about collegiate sports already during my time as an SWA. 

Who have been some of your mentors during your career and what have you learned from them?
Throughout my collegiate career I have been so lucky to have my AD, Brad Jones, as my mentor. Brad has been instrumental in building my confidence, my professional growth and guiding me through the learning process of working with the NCAA. I'm lucky that many former players on tour are in coaching roles now and I have leaned on them for advice as well. I'm also part of a mentor group through the WCGA and that has been massively helpful!

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in college athletics administration?
My advice to someone who is interested in a role in Sports Administration would be pursue it! It is such a gift to work in a field that I'm interested in and am passionate about. Working with student athletes is so rewarding. I love that I can help them become better golfers but it is even more rewarding to build trust with my athletes and mentor them off of the course too. It has been an even better experience than I imagined.

Why do you think the SWA role is significant and in what ways does it impact college athletics? 
I believe the SWA role is important because the group as a whole provides unique perspective. It is inspiring to be surrounded by a group of women that are eager to make the PacWest the best it can be.  As a new coach, it has been a huge learning experience for which I am very grateful for.

Favorite Binge-Worthy Show
Family Feud

Favorite Fast Food 
Chipotle

Your Own Greatest Sporting Moment
Being the first American to win the Money List on the Ladies European Tour in 2016.

Favorite part about working at your school?
The unique juxtaposition of working with creative students that are passionate about golf. The university itself is one of a kind and it creates an exciting work environment that I really enjoy. I am also so lucky to be surrounded by a great team who have been extremely supportive!