June 15 is approaching and many girls soccer prospects and their families are busy doing their homework on schools and programs. They are analyzing roster turnover, staff reputations, quality of academics and even dorm/cafeteria reviews. But how many of you are looking at the Athletics Department administration? This is an often overlooked yet critical piece of any sports program. So much of a team’s success and everyday existence is dependent on the support they receive (or don’t receive). Our most recent department meeting, was extended by at least 20 minutes when our AD asked us to give shoutouts to areas of our department. The shoutouts kept piling up for things like Academics support, Facilities crew, Equipment staff, Sports Information, Business office, Sports Medicine, just to name a few. It made me realize just how incredibly lucky we are to be at W&M. Quite simply I can’t wait to walk through the doors every day to work alongside some of the best people I’ve ever known. It’s a big reason our coach turnover is as low as our student athlete turnover. It’s also a big reason that FIVE of our head coaches are Alumni, and it is NOT the norm everywhere. Our AD is as good a leader as I’ve ever seen—strategic, compassionate and hands on. He often ends our meetings with this: “ Take care of yourselves, Take care of each other, so you can Take care of our student athletes.” In this increasingly nutty world of college athletics, it’s so reassuring to know that our department’s values align with ours, and that we can still stay true to our mission of providing a World Class education and World Class athletic experience while maintaining our commitment to do what’s right for the student athletes. As you go through your process, make sure you are examining this important piece. Do your visits include meetings with the administration so that you can determine how you are going to be supported academically, physically, and mentally? Pay close attention to the relationship the coaching staff has with all of these important parts of the department. A program is only going to be as good as the support it is receiving from all of these different aspects of the athletic department. #TheWholePackage #AthleticsWithIntegrity @WMTribeWSOC @TribeAthletics

Dubuque Wahlert extended its lead in the MVC Valley with a win today. Golden Eagles shot 308 and had medalist in Elin Mueller, who shot 71. C.R. Washington & Cedar Falls shot 330. CRW's Kate Altorfer was runner-up medalist with 74. Warriors are second overall thru two rounds.

Part one of our three part series highlighting girls and women in athletics is here! Stay tuned throughout February as we feature more stories highlighting the girls and women in sports that help make Mount Mercy athletics a place to be! mountmercymustangs.com/gener…

Top stories in today's NAIA.ticker: + @UPArgos leadership change + @NikRule on the future of small college athletics + @MAC_Bulldogs naming rights deal + @Midland_Sports facility upgrade + @HBCUAC championships site Read about these stories & more ⬇️