Name: Aleesha Cleaver
Position/Institution: Associate Athletics Director, William Penn University 
Number of years in your position: One year
Alma Mater(s): Upper Iowa University, William Penn University
Personal Twitter Handle: @Coach_Cleaver
Institution Athletics Twitter Handle: @WPUAthletics
 
What is your favorite part about being a member of the NAIA-ADA?
I really enjoy the insight so many different people provide. It's been enlightening for me to hear about challenges others are facing or how others handle certain situations. I feel like I can learn something new every day.
 
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment to date? 
It's been very rewarding to see the number of past student-athletes who have begun coaching. Knowing that we helped to create a positive, enjoyable experience for them and that they now want to do the same for others is awesome.
 
What is the most important skill you have developed in your career? 
At a young age, I learned the difference between asking a question I need an answer to (because I don't know and can't find out) and asking a question I can find the answer to on my own. Developing this skill has been very beneficial.
 
Who has been the most influential person in your career? 
Nik Rule has been the most influential person in my career. He has guided me through difficult situations and challenges me daily. I truly appreciate his leadership. My parents have also played an important role in my career. They have always supported me and allowed me to dream big in my crazy journey.
 
If you could plan a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
I would love to go anywhere tropical.
 
What is your favorite sporting event you have ever attended?
My favorite sporting events I ever attended have been Cubs games with my grandpa!
 
When did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate athletics? 
I have wanted to pursue a career in college athletics for as long as I can remember. I started coaching right out of college, and my AD at the time allowed me to ask a ton of questions and get experience in the admin world. I am very thankful for that experience because I really discovered my love for wanting to be a college athletics director during that time.
 
In your mind, who in this industry can serve as a good role model? 
Everyone. We are all role models, and I think we can all learn from one another.
 
What educational or business experiences best prepared you for a career as an athletics director?
I think my years as a head women's volleyball coach have been instrumental in my career as an administrator. I also think I was very fortunate as a college student-athlete to have been coached by strong women leaders. They have all helped develop me into who I am now.
 
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 
The best piece of advice I have received is to think twice and act once from none other than Nik Rule himself. 
 
What was your biggest professional blunder?
I once messed up the light show in the Penn Activities Center on game day at William Penn.
 
What is the best binge-worthy podcast or TV show you are currently taking in?
I've jumped ship on TV and podcasts and have really been into reading lately. I've been binging some Colleen Hoover books.
 
What are you most looking forward to at the next NAIA or NACDA Convention?
I am most looking forward to meeting people and connecting. I love hearing what others have to say and what others are doing. I'm a sponge at these types of events and look forward to learning any chance I can.
 
Beyond your school, what sports teams do you consider yourself a fan of?
I'm a big Golden State Warriors, Duke Blue Devils, and Chicago Cubs fan. 
 
What do you think is the biggest challenge in college athletics right now?
I think the biggest challenge we're facing in college athletics is understanding and remembering who we serve. The student athletes will always come first. We have to remember to adapt and change as they do. Things that worked 10 years ago may not work now, so keeping them and their needs in the forefront of our minds is always important.