Alyssa Rice and WLCS National Convention
Name: Alyssa Rice
Current School: Ohio University MBA
Current Status/Job Title: Graduate Assistant - Compliance Coordinator for Ohio Athletics
Sport: Former University of Kentucky Basketball Player (2014-2018)
As a young girl growing up in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, I would constantly think of what I wanted to be when I got older. From a “hair doer”, to a second grade teacher, to a physical therapist, the idea of my future self was changed on a daily basis. I always knew I enjoyed playing sports and it was not until my appointment to the SEC Women’s Basketball Leadership Council that I discovered my passion for collegiate athletics, more specifically, enhancing the overall student athlete experience.
As I complete my second year of the MBA/MSA dual degree program at Ohio University while working as a Compliance Coordinator in the athletics department, I know I am moving one step closer to fulfilling my passion. Following graduation in May, I aspire to secure an opportunity as a Director of Basketball Operations or working with student athlete development. Later down the line, I plan to add experience working championships and student-athlete engagement at the collegiate conference level.
This past week, with the support of The Winning Edge, I attended my first Women Leaders in College Sports (WLCS) National Convention in Phoenix, AZ. From the start, the convention consisted of high energy, enthusiasm, and a feeling of empowerment being a woman.
On the first day, I attended the First-Time Attendee Workshop where facilitators discussed what it meant to be a part of WLCS and all it has to offer as an organization. It was encouraging to be in a room filled with people that come from all different walks of life but share a common passion. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing network of women.
Over the course of three days, there were a series of panels and keynote speakers that each brought a unique perspective on topics that impact us as women working in the college sports. One of my favorite panels of the convention consisted Dr. Carla Williams, Heather Lyke, Jen Cohen, and Sandy Barbour. As the only female ADs in the Power Five, they discussed their journeys of becoming an AD, obstacles they faced, and advice for the next generation. It was truly empowering and just sitting in the room with these women. From this panel, I was able to take away three key lessons.
Many people focus on the challenges we face as women, but fail to realize the advantages it can bring.
Be the best you can be at the job you currently have.
If there is something you want to do, do it.
Following the panel, I had the opportunity to catch up with Dr. Carla Williams who I first met at the 2018 Game Changing Retreat in Miami. Immediately after meeting her at the retreat, I realized what I had heard was true, she was as amazing of a woman! Her dedication to investing in the next generation of women and young leaders is inspiring. Despite her busy schedule, she has never once hesitated to offer assistance in my personal development and career journey and for that, I am forever grateful.
One of my favorite keynotes of the convention was conducted by Dartmouth Business Administration professor Mrs. Ella L.J Bell Smith. This woman was nothing short of amazing. She discussed the real everyday challenges we face as women in a man’s world. We often receive backlash for demonstrating the same level of confidence as men and are labeled as “aggressive” for doing so. As a result of this, women often shrink themselves and lose self-confidence. This is something I have struggled with personally.
“Success, as it turns out, correlates just as closely with confidence as it does with competence” was really an eye opener for me.” - Mrs. Ella L.J Bell Smith
We as women, should remain confident in ourselves and our abilities because men are doing just that. At times when I may be struggling with my confidence, I will remind myself that, “I am strong. I have self-worth. I am beautiful. I am not perfect. I am just myself.”
Overall, my first Women Leaders in College Sports Convention, could not have gone better. Knowing there are hundreds of women who are willing to assist me in my personal and professional development is an unbelievable feeling.
We as women are incredible and are destined to do incredible things. As I finish up my last few months of graduate school and continue to prepare myself for the professional world, I will keep the words of these women in mind. I will remain confident in myself and my abilities, put the work into networking, and always have an eagerness to learn.
I am thankful for the Winning Edge and their assistance in making this experience possible. It is now my responsibility to challenge myself and be a #ForceForChange. #WEGameChange
