CLEVELAND – Since 2011-12, the Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) and the NCAA have partnered to create a women and ethnic minorities mentoring program that provides a unique opportunity for women and all those who identify as ethnic minorities interested in a career as a Division II director of athletics. Annually, a total of 11 mentees are selected.
"We are proud to continue the D2 ADA Women & Ethnic Minorities Mentoring Program into the 2025–26 school year," said Traci Murphy, D2 ADA President . "This program is more than just mentorship—it's about creating intentional spaces where women and individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are seen, heard, and supported. Through meaningful connections, professional development, and authentic dialogue, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of our community and empowers the next generation of changemakers."
This experience partners each successful candidate with a current Division II director of athletics at another institution for enhancing career development. Mentors provide yearlong guidance and role modeling that encourages a commitment to a long-range career goal of serving as a Division II director of athletics.
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The objectives of the program include, but are not limited to, assisting the mentees with successfully navigating a career in athletics administration, providing an enriched learning experience that may enhance career mobility, and helping mentees to set personal and professional goals for the future while encouraging a healthy balance between home, work, and recreation.
Please see below for a complete listing of the 2025-26Â mentor/mentees.
| Mentee |
Mentee Institution |
Mentor |
Mentor Institution |
| Rochelle Black |
Lincoln Memorial |
Karen Hjerpe |
PennWest California |
| Melanie Brokaw |
Hawaii Hilo |
Nate Moorman |
Emmanuel |
| Sara Higley |
Ferris State |
Kathy Kroupa |
Lynn |
| Mercedes Himmons |
Southern Connecticut
State |
Lisa Goddard-McGuirk |
Fort Hayes State |
| Cassie Kosiba |
South Dakota Mines |
Sandee Mott |
TWU |
| Jordan Lysiak |
NCAAÂ |
Troy Katen |
Valdosta State |
| Joshua Roberson |
Wayne State (MI) |
Vaughn Williams |
Bentley |
| Adrienne Singletary |
Coker |
Traci Murphy |
Daemen |
| Kristen Tunno |
Glenville State |
Morod Shah |
Cal State San Marcos |
| Dawn Turner |
Lander |
Denisha Hendricks |
Johnson C. Smith |
| Breanne Watson |
Simon Fraser |
Kyle Sensabaugh |
Emory & Henry |
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About D2 ADA: The D2 ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. For more information about the D2 ADA, please visit www.div2ada.com. The D2 ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
