Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball coach Kerri Blaylock adds Senior Woman Administrator designation
01/09/2020 | 10:22:00 | General, Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan announced on Thursday that softball head coach Kerri Blaylock will take on an expanded role within Saluki Athletics as the department's senior woman administrator.
The senior woman administrator is involved in senior-level management decisions as the highest-ranking female in each NCAA athletics department or conference office. The purpose of the SWA designation is to promote meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of college sports.
One of the winningest active Division I coaches with 693 victories, Blaylock has led SIU to seven NCAA postseason appearances and four conference titles in 21 seasons. Her teams have consistently ranked among the nation's best in the classroom, as well, placing in the top 20 every season since 2001.
"Kerri has done an amazing job leading our softball program and will continue to do so for many years to come," Jarnigan said. "Her wealth of experience working with student-athletes made her an obvious choice for the SWA designation and we're fortunate to have an administrator with her expertise to step into this role."
Jarnigan was the department's SWA prior to her promotion to athletic director last summer.
"I'm humbled that Liz thought of me and hope that I can help in any way that is needed," Blaylock said. "The administration understands and embraces that SIU softball is my priority, but I am confident that I can also work hard and help with these additional duties."
A staff member who meets the definition of an SWA is eligible for benefits such as serving on NCAA committees, participating in eligibility hearings and receiving select grants, among others. If an athletics director or commissioner is female, the school or conference may designate another woman as its SWA.
The senior woman administrator is involved in senior-level management decisions as the highest-ranking female in each NCAA athletics department or conference office. The purpose of the SWA designation is to promote meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of college sports.
One of the winningest active Division I coaches with 693 victories, Blaylock has led SIU to seven NCAA postseason appearances and four conference titles in 21 seasons. Her teams have consistently ranked among the nation's best in the classroom, as well, placing in the top 20 every season since 2001.
"Kerri has done an amazing job leading our softball program and will continue to do so for many years to come," Jarnigan said. "Her wealth of experience working with student-athletes made her an obvious choice for the SWA designation and we're fortunate to have an administrator with her expertise to step into this role."
Jarnigan was the department's SWA prior to her promotion to athletic director last summer.
"I'm humbled that Liz thought of me and hope that I can help in any way that is needed," Blaylock said. "The administration understands and embraces that SIU softball is my priority, but I am confident that I can also work hard and help with these additional duties."
A staff member who meets the definition of an SWA is eligible for benefits such as serving on NCAA committees, participating in eligibility hearings and receiving select grants, among others. If an athletics director or commissioner is female, the school or conference may designate another woman as its SWA.
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