Ron Prettyman, interim athletic director at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), announced three promotions within the intercollegiate athletics staff.
Jim Walker, head softball coach, will take on the added title of assistant director of intercollegiate athletics for compliance, responsible for ensuring proper compliance with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) which SMWC became a member effective July 1. Walker has been at The Woods since August 2020.
Kyle Miller, assistant women’s golf coach at SMWC, will become the Champions of Character liaison. Miller started at the College in August 2019. NAIA Champions of Character program helps student-athletes find the balance by keeping five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience. Miller will be responsible for the implementation of this program across all athletic teams.
Ashley Harris, women’s head volleyball coach, will also serve as the senior women’s administrator for the athletic department. Harris joined the coaching staff in June. She will assist SMWC in managing the athletics program, ensuring compliance with the NAIA, federal and university rules and regulations governing all facets of athletic programs.
Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and institutional technology, said of the appointments, “I am pleased these coaches all were eager to take on these additional responsibilities. With the athletic department growth and the change to NAIA, the skillset and knowledge of these coaches in athletic administration will ease the expansions and transitions of the department.”
Prettyman is also pleased. “I want to thank these fine coaches for their willingness to step up and add these administrative duties. I am very blessed to have them as a part of my staff.”
The College announced the addition of sprint football as a scholarship sport to begin play in fall 2022. Earlier in the spring it was announced that men’s volleyball would begin play in spring 2023 and the men’s basketball team will take the court for their first game this October. The addition of sprint football marks the 16th scholarship athletic team for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.