The University of Mississippi Athletics
2025 National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Ole Miss Athletics is excited to once again celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day! With this year's theme, I am HER, we are highlighting what makes our female student-athletes and sports so great. Scroll on for our celebration of women in sport, including interviews with some of our top former student-athletes who still still call the world of competition their home.
Gallery: NGWSD Photo Shoot
Former Student-Athlete Highlights
Kristen Derting
Rifle (2020-24)
Assistant Rifle Coach - Nebraska
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
My advice for women who want to work in sports is similar to that when you’re competing, own the ground you stand on.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
My advice for current student-athletes that want to work in spots is not to be afraid to put yourself out there. Job searches are hard, and they’re even harder in college athletics and sports industries. But the grit and determination you developed as an athlete are what makes you the perfect fit to work within sports.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
A woman in sports who has inspired me would be my first college coach, Marsha Beasley. She not only made me the athlete I am today but she is my biggest role model as a coach myself now.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I wanted to work in sports because I had such a great experience as an athlete and I want to help other have that experience as well. I think there’s a very special bond between a coach and their athletes and I had such good experiences with my own coaches I wanted to be that person for others.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
I don’t have an “I’m her” moment yet.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
To me, being a woman in sports means being a role model for my athletes. It also means supporting other women’s sports team as a spectator and encouraging girls to pursue their dreams of being an athlete.
Sophie Dineen
Soccer (2017-21)
Certified Athletic Trainer - Nebraska Medicine
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
Here are a few pieces of advice for women aspiring to work in sports. First, know your passion. Whether it’s coaching, journalism, event planning, management, or sports medicine, identifying what excites you most will help you focus your efforts and make a meaningful impact. Second, network, network, network! The connections I’ve made over the years—through my time as a student, an athlete, and in my professional career—have opened doors that would have been hard to come by without building those relationships. Lastly, be confident in your abilities and knowledge. When your skills are questioned or doubted, show resilience. Let your confidence speak for itself and prove just how capable you truly are.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
For current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry, you’re already ahead of the game. The discipline, work ethic, and team skills you’ve developed as an athlete will serve you well in your future career. Start networking now, and use your athletic experience to present the unique skills that you have learned. At the end of the day, your athletic career is just one chapter in a broader journey. The skills you develop now will translate into countless opportunities in the sports industry. Stay focused, continue to build relationships, and be ready to seize the opportunities that come your way!
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
I would say the female athletic trainers that I have had, or have worked with in my life have inspired me everyday. They have guided me and shown me that being a woman in sports can be so incredible and the impact we can have on our athletes and other women is something to be proud of. They have provided me with the necessary tools to succeed in this position and for that I will be forever grateful.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I always wanted to work in healthcare but did not know in what capacity until my senior year of college. I was working to narrow down options when the athletic training program started at Ole Miss and I knew that this was the perfect role for me. It allows me to follow my passion of helping others, while also keeping me around the sports that I grew up with and that have been such an integral part of who I am. I love the athletic atmosphere and working with individuals who are striving to reach their potential and being a person that can help them achieve their goals is very rewarding.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
My “I made it” moment happened only this past weekend during the first home match for the new professional volleyball team League One Volleyball (LOVB) Omaha that I work with. This is the first year for the program so I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with some of the best volleyball players in the world. Being at the first home match and seeing all the support and how huge of an impact these women have on the sport and young girls was amazing to see and be a part of. The feeling that we are building something for future generations is so incredible and I am proud to play a part in it.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I am very proud to be a woman in sports. It means so much to me that I can help influence future generations to follow their passions and show them that women can do anything we set our minds to. I love showing my athletes that women are capable of incredible things and that with resilience and determination, they can work at the highest level with the best athletes in the world.
Lauren Hoselton
Track & Field (2019-22)
Vice President - The Grove Collective; Founder, CEO - Total NIL
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
My best advice is to be confident and stay true to yourself. Don’t change for the crowd you are around, and you will find yourself in the right rooms and surrounded by the right people!
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
My best recommendation is to find a mentor that you can learn from and lean on as you prepare to work in the sports industry. There are a lot of strong personalities in this space and you have to learn when to stay quiet, but also when to speak up. I was able to watch and listen more than I spoke, and it lead me to progressing in my career quickly.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
I had multiple women in my life that inspired me to work in sports/play sports. I have been in competitive sports since I was little, and largely due to my parents being so passionate about athletics, but also knowing all of the invaluable skills that I would acquire from being an athlete. It was instilled in me at a young age on how to be a hard worker, dependable, and a leader. My track coach at Ole Miss always inspired me to work hard and be a leader as well. She is an extremely decorated former athlete and now head coach that treats people the right way and we are so lucky to have her as a leader of our programs at Ole Miss!
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I chose to work in sports because I found an avenue (NIL) that I was really passionate about. It’s not an easy space to get into, but it is extremely worth it and rewarding once you do. However, don’t get defeated if your first opportunity doesn’t work out. My uncle told me when I graduated that “Not every opportunity is going to be the right opportunity” and it stuck with me. Make sure to remember this as you move into any career! It will all workout how its suppose to.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
I have had a few moments that have made me stop and reflect on how blessed I am, however when the business that I founded, Total NIL, was asked to partner with the University of South Florida on an NIL certification course, I realized that all of my hard work was paying off!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
As a former student-athlete, you never hope for they day that you have to stop playing, but I am thankful that the career I chose allows me to stay in athletics and specifically with Ole Miss. Now more than ever, women advocating for women in sports is so important, and I am excited to see the growth in this space every year in NIL.
Brooke Moore
Women's Basketball (2022-23)
Assistant Women's Basketball Coach - Hampton
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
BE YOU! Stay true to who you are, your faith, what motivates you, what drives you. Stay loyal to yourself and to who you are, it will all come together day by day, trust the process.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
Pour into your cup every day! Be your own battery pack, look in the mirror every morning and jump start yourself. Be self-driven, do what YOU need to be the best version of yourself.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
Coach Yo, she has inspired me in so many ways. During my time as a player at Ole Miss, she showered me with love, respect and unwavering support. Her loyalty is truly incredible and her passion for the game is special. As an upcoming coach, I aspire to be there for and to give genuine love and care to my players in the same light as Coach Yo.
Coach Augustin, she has inspired me by her passion, love and dedication to the game. She is taking the time to develop and mold me into a leader, business woman, a top recruiter in this business. In doing so, it allows me to inherit her fierce competitive nature and work ethic. As well as learning how to work diligently and effectively especially as a young, African American female.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
Basketball has done so much for me. I always wanted to give back to the game in some way. When my career ended, I decided coaching was the perfect way to do so. Having the ability to share my testimony, grow, develop and be an inspiration to these young women is very special to me.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
I accomplished many great things throughout my career. However, my “I’m HER” moment would have to be my recovery process from my car accident. In that split moment, my whole life changed. I fought hard to get back to myself and it was a very long and hard process but I kept my faith and I never gave up. At times, I didn’t have a clue what would be next for me but I never wavered, I stayed up. That moment prepared me to take on new things suddenly and to not be afraid of change and stepping out of my comfort zone. I would not be where or who I am today without going through that.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means a lot, truly. To look back at pictures and videos of myself from high school and college. To now, it’s a blessing. Being able to keep going and pour into others is a huge win. Seeing these young athletes achieve things that they may have feared, was sketchy on, doubted themselves on is the best part of it all.
Lonnie Mulligan
Soccer (2018-21)
Big Ten Fellow - Maryland
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
You will be in male-dominated spaces, but you’re more than ready for it, and you absolutely deserve to be there. Don't doubt yourself!
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
Do your research! The sports industry has many different avenues, so don’t limit yourself to just the ones you know. Be curious, ask questions, and explore opportunities beyond what’s immediately visible to you.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
Yes, the entire Maryland Made, The University of Maryland's Student Athlete Development, staff! Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the privilege of working with five incredible Black women—Resa Lovelace, Daeze Alaeze, Sydney Anderson, and Deja Parker, and Danielle Dyer—who have constantly supported, challenged, encouraged, and helped me grow into the best version of myself as I navigate my post athletic venture. The transition was more challenging than I could have imagined, so to have their unwavering support means everything.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I chose sports because I wanted to impact people. I had such strong support from mentors like Ravin Gilbert, Jennifer Saxon, and Gabby Little during my time at Ole Miss. They helped me understand that working in sports can give you the chance to support, impact, and influence the lives of young adults.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
It felt like I was “HER” when I was selected to attend the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar. It was overwhelming but incredibly exciting to be surrounded by like-minded young professionals pursuing careers in college athletics. It truly felt like I was on the path to something bigger.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means continuing to open doors for the women who come after us. It’s about making an impact and remembering the women who paved the way for us to be here.
Brittney Reese
Track & Field (2007-08)
Coach
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
A piece of advice I would like to offer for women who want to work in sports is network. Surround yourself with good people and get a mentor that will help guide you along the way. Doing this can help get your foot in the door that's when opportunities present themselves and you can take full advantage.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
Some advice I will give a current student-athlete aspiring to work in the sports industry is to follow your passion. Don't let anyone or anything steer you away from your passion.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
The woman in sports that inspire me is Serena Williams. Other than her dominating career that we can't ignore it would be her charitable work outside of the court that inspires me. She is a woman that cares for everyone and wants to see everyone succeed.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I chose to work in sports because I always wanted to help others achieve their goals. Growing up I always said I wanted to be a coach and now that I get to develop my own athletes it seems like a dream come true.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
The moment I realized "I'm her" was when I won the Olympic Gold medal. Winning an Olympic Gold medal is the highest achievement in track and field so it makes you feel like you are on top of the world. It made me feel unstoppable and big boost in my confidence.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports means to me that I a part of breaking barriers that most wouldn't have thought to be broken. It is a symbol of strength and power to be able to put your mind and body in a sport that use to be make dominant
Kennedy Swann
Women's Golf (2019-21)
Head Professional - Tokatee Golf Club
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
Don't be intimidated by the amount of male dominated positions in the industry. Most are very accepting. Plus the amount of women in the industry continues to grow more than ever!
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
Stick with it! Even if you don't compete in your sport anymore, there are several ways to still stay connected.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
I would say Michelle Wie was a huge childhood inspiration for me. She was the first female to ever compete in an LPGA event.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
It gave me a way to stay connected to golf without having to compete at a high level. I still have the same love for the game that I had in college, just applied differently now.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
Winning the National Championship at Ole Miss, then 2 weeks later being the first female to ever win the Oregon Open (a field primarily made of professional men).
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means there is always an opportunity for greatness.
Ava Tillmann
Softball (2018-21)
Assistant A.D. for Compliance/Senior Woman Administrator - Shorter
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
My advice for women who want to work in sports would be to believe that you are capable of excelling in the industry. In a field that has been male dominant, females are stepping in and proving to be successful. As a woman working in sports, I see firsthand how women can be in all positions throughout the industry, and it’s very encouraging!
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
My advice would be to network, put yourself out there, and do not be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to entering the industry. There are many different associations, leagues, departments, and sports with many different positions that need to be filled. Be willing to start from the bottom and do the jobs nobody else is willing to do because that’s where I feel the most learning and growing takes place.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
During my time at Ole Miss, my academic advisors, Sheila Padgett and Sophie Coy both made lasting impacts on my life. These women inspired me working in sports by guiding and encouraging student athletes to excel academically. They helped student athletes set up successful academic plans, assisted in networking and job opportunities, and made sure we were prepared for life after college.
Why did you choose to work in sports?
I chose to work in sports because being a former student athlete, I found a love and appreciation for the administrators, operations staff, and coaches that allowed me to play my sport. Without these people, I would not have had the opportunity to be successful on and off the field. During my time as a student athlete and a graduate assistant in an athletic department, I had an insight at how much it truly takes to manage athletics, and I knew I wanted to work in administration to serve student athletes.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
My “I made it moment” would be when I received my first full time position in the field as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Shorter University. I worked as a graduate assistant in the athletic department for two years before this, and in that moment, I realized the time and effort given to the education and experience was worth it.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
To me, being a woman in sports means I have the opportunity to make an impact. I can make an impact in my department, in the lives of student athletes, and in the industry. I believe the sports industry is growing and flourishing because of the women that are contributing, and I am proud to be one of them!
Sonya Varnell
Track & Field (1986-89)
Senior Associate A.D. for Women's Sports/Senior Women's Administrator - Southern Miss
Do you have any advice for women who want to work in sports?
My advice would be to think outside of their current box. When they think of “sports,” do not just think simply of high school or college athletics. Think about all avenues of sports (e.g., the NBA, NFL, MLB, USATF, WNBA, FIFA, etc.). I would encourage them to broaden their perspective on “sports” careers.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes aspiring to work in the sports industry?
I would advise them to create a career path into the industry. First, research which organization and areas of the industry they have an interest. Then, they should determine what they are willing to sacrifice to be in the industry. Finally, as soon as they have done the above things they should intern with the organization as often as they can while they are still in school.
Do you have a woman in sports that has inspired you?
Absolutely! A matter of fact, I have two women who mentored and encouraged me in this business. First, Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Walls was the Associate Commissioner at the Southeastern Conference when I got my first job out of Ole Miss. Her wisdom and mentorship helped me a great deal during that period in my life. Then, I met Dr. Barbara Hibner, Associate Athletics Director & SWA at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. I cannot thank Dr. Hibner enough for her leadership and guidance.
When was your “I'm HER” / "I made it" moment?
In 1999, I interviewed with Mr. Richard Giannini at Southern Miss for and academic director position. He and I hit it off instantly. When Mr. Giannini called me to discuss his offer of the job, it was not the job I interviewed with him for, but a senior leadership position on his team and the senior woman’s administrator designation. I could not believe what I was being offered. The rest as they say is history. I have been a part of Southern Miss Athletics for 25 years now. I am not sure where all the time has gone.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means being an advocate and leader for the women in my department (coaches, athletes, trainers, graduate assistants, counselors, etc.), and assist in navigating the changing landscape of college athletics and to set an example for women in general.
Raising the Bar
Are you ready to help raise the bar for the next generation of women athletes in Oxford? The Ole Miss Athletics Foundation eMpower initiative does just that. eMpower is the first philanthropic giving initiative tailored specifically to Ole Miss women’s athletic programs. Its aim will be to honor the pioneers who paved the way, while highlighting the unparalleled success of our current student-athletes. Additionally, eMpower will encourage others to invest in the current capital project needs of our female student-athletes, providing them with the resources necessary to compete on the field of play, in the classroom, and in life after sports. Click below to contribute.