The University of Mississippi Athletics
BHM Profile: Sonya Varnell
2/28/2021 | Track and Field, Social Responsibility & Engagement
In honor of Black History Month, Ole Miss Athletics will highlight several current and former Black student-athletes and administrators throughout the month of February. Honored today is Ole Miss track & field alum and current Southern Miss Senior Woman's Administrator, Sonya Varnell.
Sonya Varnell • Ole Miss Volleyball • 1986-89
Q: What have you been up to since graduating from Ole Miss?
"After earning my undergraduate degree, Coach Joe Walker asked me to serve as his graduate assistant track coach, which I did for two years. Coach Walker said, the sport needed more Black women interested in coaching, and he thought I would be good. After working as a coach, I decided it was not the career path for me. I was interested in going to law school, and believed, at the time, I needed to put my energy into studying for the LSAT, and not coaching.
"While I was preparing to take the LSAT, Mr. Warner Alford, Ole Miss AD, told me about an opportunity to work in a new area of athletics, compliance. Mr. Alford said, he thought this would be a good opportunity for me, since I had an interest in the law, and this would consist of the athletics laws. He said there would be a man coming on campus, and looking for a smart and hard-working person. He wanted to recommend me for the position, and for me to speak with the man. Being young and focused on my objective to take and pass the LSAT, I told him I was not interested. Mr. Alford gave me some of the best advice I have ever received. He said, "Young lady, it never hurts to listen." He said, "Just listen to what he has to say, and if you are not interested, you didn't lose anything." I did listen to Dr. John Gerdy, and was very impressed with the possibilities to learn NCAA regulations, and to be a part of formulating new regulations. I officially interviewed with Dr. Gerdy and the rest of the staff. They offered me the Compliance & Academic Affairs Assistant position at the Southeastern Conference office in Birmingham. I became the first woman and first Black person in my new position. I worked in the SEC office for two years. While at the SEC office, Dr. Gerdy gave me the opportunity for professional development. I attended a few Association conventions. I was introduced Dr. Roger Grueder, who was the Associate AD for Academic Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Dr. Grueder was looking for someone to create programing for minority student-athletes to assist them in their adjustment to the university and Lincoln. After discussing his vision with me, I would go to UNL for an interview. Dr. Grueder offered me this new position, and allowed me to create my own job description. I would become the first to serve in the role as Coordinator of Multicultural Programs for Athletics. A position I served in for four years. During my time at UNL, I learned of an opportunity to live and work in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was looking for proposals that would take ten (10) American citizens and ten Germany citizens, and have them live and work in the other's respective country. My proposal, the role of sport participation leading to citizenship for immigrant athletes, received favorable support. The Foundation's selection committee in Madison, Wisconsin invited me to interview. I won a grant, and my daughter and I started learning German right away. At the time, I was the first African American, male or female, to be a Humboldt Fellow. We would go to Freiburg, Germany. In the middle of my fellowship, I found out I had Stage 3 breast cancer. After having surgery in Germany, I returned to the States for my chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
"After leaving my job, and returning to Brandon, Mississippi, my insurance company refused to pay for my chemotherapy treatments in America. By the Grace of God, my Ole Miss and Nebraska families took care of me. Coach Walker learned of my diagnosis, and referred me to the head of oncology at The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Dr. Tate Thigpen. Dr. Thigpen treated me for a whole year, and I did not have to pay one cent. It was a blessing. My Nebraska family held a fundraiser from me, and donated all the monies to my care and living. Again, another blessing from those athletes, coaches and staff. I am forever indebted to them all. After my recovery, my sorority sister, Dr. Pamela Turner and her husband, Coach James Green, another Ole Miss Alumnus and former basketball player, helped me to get my current position at The University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Richard Giannini, former Director of Athletics, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to serve the student- athletes and coaches at Southern Miss. My road has been long, and never straight, but because of the favor of God and some awesome people, I have been at Southern Miss for the past 21 years."
Q: Why did you choose to come to Ole Miss?
"I was a high school mother, and did not want to go too far away from my daughter to college. I thought I would have to do my college classes at night, but Ole Miss heavily recruited my high school boyfriend for football. I started doing my research and found out Ole Miss would be adding women's track and field. I sent them my information, they brought me up for an official visit, and the rest, as they say, is history. I loved the campus right away, and it was still in state and not too far from my daughter."
Q: What was your experience like being one of the first Black student-athletes for Ole Miss track & field?
"At the time, I did not think of my experience in terms of race. Our head coach was Black and many of the male athletes on the team were Black. At first, the men's track athletes saw us as a source of their problems. They believed because of the women's program, they were not receiving all the equipment they had become accustomed to receiving nor meal monies for travel. Now, whether or not this was true, I do not know. I remember our numbers being small (4 or 5, maybe 6), compared to the men, but the training was the same. Coach Gibson did everything in his power to make us feel welcome. He would correct them in this thinking on several occasions, but they believed what they believed."
Q: Was there any moment or person that solidified your decision to come to the Ole Miss?
"Yes, Coach Peggie Gillom and Coach Ken Gibson. First, Peggie was the first person to greet me, and assisted me with my check-in at Miller Hall. She let it me know she was available to me for anything, and it continued that way until I graduated. Finally, Coach Gibson made me believe in my abilities, my intelligence and myself. He was like a father, and we could discuss life as well as track. I knew he cared about my well-being."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"Absolutely, there needs to be more diversity and inclusion not only by ethnicity and race, but also by gender. When I was at Ole Miss, the only female coach I knew was Coach Peggie Gillom. There was not a female on the track coaching staff. It was either my senior year or after I graduated, we had a female trainer (Lynnette Johnson). In the administration, the only female I knew was Jeanne Taylor, and when she left, it was Mrs. Kitty. I do not even remember Mrs. Kitty's last name or maybe I never knew it. My point is the majority of whom I saw were men.
"It is very important for young men and women to see themselves represented in all areas of athletics. It is very hard to relate to someone who has not been in your position or understand you. For example, if I had a racial or sexist incident at Ole Miss, I felt comfortable going to Coach Gibson or Coach Gillom to discuss because they looked like me, and Peggie was me at one point in her life."
Q: Who has been instrumental to your growth?
"At Ole Miss, I had two: Peggie Gillom (athletics) and Rose Jackson Fenorl (community). First, Peggie showed me no matter what, all things are possible if you work hard, and do not let circumstances make you believe you are less than. Peggie taught me to treat everyone with kindness. You never know whom God has sent to help you.
"Finally, Rose Jackson Fenorl served as my graduate advisor in Theta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She taught me what being a "lady" and having class meant. She also taught me not to be ashamed of my intelligence and God-given talents as an athlete. She was the definition of sisterhood and commitment. Both of them share a part in helping me in developing my leadership and communication skills."
Q: What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete at Ole Miss?
"Since I came from a poor family, I had not traveled anywhere. My favorite memories are traveling with my track teammates, and getting to see and experience other parts of the country. My teammates came from all over America and several different countries, and it was a pleasure getting to know them."
Quick Facts
Favorite sport to watch?
Track, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Softball and Tennis
What do you prefer to do in your free time?
Any type of community service for others, with my church or sorority, and learning/studying African American History and watching Netflix
Favorite athlete?
Wow, this is so hard, there are too many. I am not sure if this means ever or now. My all-time favorite EVER are the great Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Muhammad Ali, Florence Griffin-Joyner (Flo-Jo), Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Evelyn Ashford, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Michael Jordan, Sheryl Swoopes, Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom, Cynthia Cooper and Tony Dorsett. NOW, it is LeBron James, Serena & Venus Williams, Sue Bird, Aaron Rodgers, and Allyson Felix.
What are you most proud of?
"That I have been able to live the life my grandparents (Robbie & DC Nichols) envisioned for me when I left for Ole Miss all those years ago. They never got the opportunities I received, and all I ever wanted to do was to make them proud. They raised me to work hard and care about people. Because of them, I was able to give my daughter, Sophia, a better life. If they had not made the sacrifice to raise my daughter while I went away to Ole Miss, I would not be the person I am today. I give God and them all the Glory!"
Sonya Varnell • Ole Miss Volleyball • 1986-89
Q: What have you been up to since graduating from Ole Miss?
"After earning my undergraduate degree, Coach Joe Walker asked me to serve as his graduate assistant track coach, which I did for two years. Coach Walker said, the sport needed more Black women interested in coaching, and he thought I would be good. After working as a coach, I decided it was not the career path for me. I was interested in going to law school, and believed, at the time, I needed to put my energy into studying for the LSAT, and not coaching.
"While I was preparing to take the LSAT, Mr. Warner Alford, Ole Miss AD, told me about an opportunity to work in a new area of athletics, compliance. Mr. Alford said, he thought this would be a good opportunity for me, since I had an interest in the law, and this would consist of the athletics laws. He said there would be a man coming on campus, and looking for a smart and hard-working person. He wanted to recommend me for the position, and for me to speak with the man. Being young and focused on my objective to take and pass the LSAT, I told him I was not interested. Mr. Alford gave me some of the best advice I have ever received. He said, "Young lady, it never hurts to listen." He said, "Just listen to what he has to say, and if you are not interested, you didn't lose anything." I did listen to Dr. John Gerdy, and was very impressed with the possibilities to learn NCAA regulations, and to be a part of formulating new regulations. I officially interviewed with Dr. Gerdy and the rest of the staff. They offered me the Compliance & Academic Affairs Assistant position at the Southeastern Conference office in Birmingham. I became the first woman and first Black person in my new position. I worked in the SEC office for two years. While at the SEC office, Dr. Gerdy gave me the opportunity for professional development. I attended a few Association conventions. I was introduced Dr. Roger Grueder, who was the Associate AD for Academic Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Dr. Grueder was looking for someone to create programing for minority student-athletes to assist them in their adjustment to the university and Lincoln. After discussing his vision with me, I would go to UNL for an interview. Dr. Grueder offered me this new position, and allowed me to create my own job description. I would become the first to serve in the role as Coordinator of Multicultural Programs for Athletics. A position I served in for four years. During my time at UNL, I learned of an opportunity to live and work in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was looking for proposals that would take ten (10) American citizens and ten Germany citizens, and have them live and work in the other's respective country. My proposal, the role of sport participation leading to citizenship for immigrant athletes, received favorable support. The Foundation's selection committee in Madison, Wisconsin invited me to interview. I won a grant, and my daughter and I started learning German right away. At the time, I was the first African American, male or female, to be a Humboldt Fellow. We would go to Freiburg, Germany. In the middle of my fellowship, I found out I had Stage 3 breast cancer. After having surgery in Germany, I returned to the States for my chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
"After leaving my job, and returning to Brandon, Mississippi, my insurance company refused to pay for my chemotherapy treatments in America. By the Grace of God, my Ole Miss and Nebraska families took care of me. Coach Walker learned of my diagnosis, and referred me to the head of oncology at The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Dr. Tate Thigpen. Dr. Thigpen treated me for a whole year, and I did not have to pay one cent. It was a blessing. My Nebraska family held a fundraiser from me, and donated all the monies to my care and living. Again, another blessing from those athletes, coaches and staff. I am forever indebted to them all. After my recovery, my sorority sister, Dr. Pamela Turner and her husband, Coach James Green, another Ole Miss Alumnus and former basketball player, helped me to get my current position at The University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Richard Giannini, former Director of Athletics, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to serve the student- athletes and coaches at Southern Miss. My road has been long, and never straight, but because of the favor of God and some awesome people, I have been at Southern Miss for the past 21 years."
Q: Why did you choose to come to Ole Miss?
"I was a high school mother, and did not want to go too far away from my daughter to college. I thought I would have to do my college classes at night, but Ole Miss heavily recruited my high school boyfriend for football. I started doing my research and found out Ole Miss would be adding women's track and field. I sent them my information, they brought me up for an official visit, and the rest, as they say, is history. I loved the campus right away, and it was still in state and not too far from my daughter."
Q: What was your experience like being one of the first Black student-athletes for Ole Miss track & field?
"At the time, I did not think of my experience in terms of race. Our head coach was Black and many of the male athletes on the team were Black. At first, the men's track athletes saw us as a source of their problems. They believed because of the women's program, they were not receiving all the equipment they had become accustomed to receiving nor meal monies for travel. Now, whether or not this was true, I do not know. I remember our numbers being small (4 or 5, maybe 6), compared to the men, but the training was the same. Coach Gibson did everything in his power to make us feel welcome. He would correct them in this thinking on several occasions, but they believed what they believed."
Q: Was there any moment or person that solidified your decision to come to the Ole Miss?
"Yes, Coach Peggie Gillom and Coach Ken Gibson. First, Peggie was the first person to greet me, and assisted me with my check-in at Miller Hall. She let it me know she was available to me for anything, and it continued that way until I graduated. Finally, Coach Gibson made me believe in my abilities, my intelligence and myself. He was like a father, and we could discuss life as well as track. I knew he cared about my well-being."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"Absolutely, there needs to be more diversity and inclusion not only by ethnicity and race, but also by gender. When I was at Ole Miss, the only female coach I knew was Coach Peggie Gillom. There was not a female on the track coaching staff. It was either my senior year or after I graduated, we had a female trainer (Lynnette Johnson). In the administration, the only female I knew was Jeanne Taylor, and when she left, it was Mrs. Kitty. I do not even remember Mrs. Kitty's last name or maybe I never knew it. My point is the majority of whom I saw were men.
"It is very important for young men and women to see themselves represented in all areas of athletics. It is very hard to relate to someone who has not been in your position or understand you. For example, if I had a racial or sexist incident at Ole Miss, I felt comfortable going to Coach Gibson or Coach Gillom to discuss because they looked like me, and Peggie was me at one point in her life."
Q: Who has been instrumental to your growth?
"At Ole Miss, I had two: Peggie Gillom (athletics) and Rose Jackson Fenorl (community). First, Peggie showed me no matter what, all things are possible if you work hard, and do not let circumstances make you believe you are less than. Peggie taught me to treat everyone with kindness. You never know whom God has sent to help you.
"Finally, Rose Jackson Fenorl served as my graduate advisor in Theta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She taught me what being a "lady" and having class meant. She also taught me not to be ashamed of my intelligence and God-given talents as an athlete. She was the definition of sisterhood and commitment. Both of them share a part in helping me in developing my leadership and communication skills."
Q: What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete at Ole Miss?
"Since I came from a poor family, I had not traveled anywhere. My favorite memories are traveling with my track teammates, and getting to see and experience other parts of the country. My teammates came from all over America and several different countries, and it was a pleasure getting to know them."
Quick Facts
Favorite sport to watch?
Track, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Softball and Tennis
What do you prefer to do in your free time?
Any type of community service for others, with my church or sorority, and learning/studying African American History and watching Netflix
Favorite athlete?
Wow, this is so hard, there are too many. I am not sure if this means ever or now. My all-time favorite EVER are the great Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Muhammad Ali, Florence Griffin-Joyner (Flo-Jo), Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Evelyn Ashford, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, Michael Jordan, Sheryl Swoopes, Cheryl Miller, Jennifer Gillom, Cynthia Cooper and Tony Dorsett. NOW, it is LeBron James, Serena & Venus Williams, Sue Bird, Aaron Rodgers, and Allyson Felix.
What are you most proud of?
"That I have been able to live the life my grandparents (Robbie & DC Nichols) envisioned for me when I left for Ole Miss all those years ago. They never got the opportunities I received, and all I ever wanted to do was to make them proud. They raised me to work hard and care about people. Because of them, I was able to give my daughter, Sophia, a better life. If they had not made the sacrifice to raise my daughter while I went away to Ole Miss, I would not be the person I am today. I give God and them all the Glory!"
PRESSER | Chris Beard & Rod Barnes CSUB Postgame (11-14-25)
Friday, November 14
HIGHLIGHTS: Men's Basketball vs. CSU Bakersfield (11-14-25)
Friday, November 14
HIGHLIGHTS: Volleyball vs. Florida (11/14/25)
Friday, November 14
PRESSER | Chris Beard & Rod Barnes (11-13-25)
Thursday, November 13