A college athletic director oversees all aspects of an athletics program, including the hiring of coaches and administrators, scheduling, promoting programs and events, constructing budgets, fund raising and so much more. Over the next few weeks, we will meet the 14 Athletic Directors in the Pacific West Conference.
Today, let's learn more about Amy Henkelman, Director of Athletics at Dominican. Amy has been served in that role since 2016, and prior to that was the Penguins' Associate A.D. and Compliance Officer. She arrived in San Rafael in 2013 after serving in athletic administration roles at Colorado School of Mines.
A Wisconsin native, Henkelman earned her BS in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Stout and an MA in Sports Administration from Central Michigan University.
*What was your first job in college athletics?
I was incharge of Recreational Sports at Indiana University South Bend which included intramurals, outdoor recreation, fitness programming and club sports. I volunteered in game operations and facilities operations, eventually leading to roles as assistant AD and Interim AD.
*When did you first realize that you wanted to be an A.D?
When the AD and a mentor of mine Brandon Liembach told me he was moving on from DU.
*Who have been some of your mentors during your career and what have you learned from them?
Holly McCormick DeMarce - Helped me get into graduate school and get a graduate assistant position. She kick started my career path. The following were all my direct supervisors/mentors at different institutions. Jeff Walker, Marcus Manning, Brandon Leimbach, Tom Spicer, Jill Wilson and Suzanne Sanragret and they all taught me the following - Always lift people up, focus on strengths, lead with GRACE, empower others and allow them to grow, be the cheerleader in the room for your staff, coaches and student-athletes. Work for and with people that will help you reach your goals, you never get where you're going or where you are without the help of others. We are in the business of people.
All the coaches/staff and students I worked with on a daily basis. I learn from watching them, listening to them and getting to know them. They are youthful, bright, talented, tenacious, courageous and they inspire me daily.
Lastly, my parents and family as they raised me to be a good human.
*What advice would you give someone interested in a career in college athletics administration?
You must be passionate about what you are doing. What is your why? You have to be willing to sacrifice alot of things as it is a very time demanding job.
*Favorite Binge-Worthy Show
Not a big TV watcher but I guess I would have to say Yellowstone.
*Favorite Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
*Your Own Greatest Sporting Moment as a Coach or Player?
Little League All-Stars winning the state tournament and going to Nationals in Iowa and the team stayed with host families.
*Your favorite team or athlete of all time and why?
My two little nephews Kai (baseball) and Miles (hockey).