Bristol, Tenn. – King University director of athletics
David Hicks has announced a restructuring of responsibilities within the athletic department, effective for the upcoming academic year.
The retirement of assistant athletic director and head men's basketball Coach George Pitts and departure of Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) Shelia Crockett for a position at her alma mater at the end of the 2019-20 academic year left an administrative void in the King athletic department, as the two combined for over 30 years of experience at King.
"Since my arrival in 2011, George and Shelia had been valuable members of our leadership team, and have provided important leadership for our staff and student-athletes," said Hicks. "Their departure, particularly at the same time, created some uncertainty, but also a great opportunity for other talented folks on our staff."
Nancye Rahn will assume the designation of SWA, in addition to her role as assistant athletic director for external affairs and student-athlete development. Rahn begins her seventh year at King in the fall of 2020, having already made a significant impact on King's student-athletes. In addition to her role working with coaches on fundraising and sponsorships, she created the Tornado Leadership Academy in 2015, a program which continues to grow each year.
The Tornado Leadership Academy (TLA) focuses on developing leadership qualities in student-athletes, and includes representatives from King's 27 varsity athletic teams. The TLA includes Tornado 101 for incoming freshman and transfer student-athletes, Backpacks to Briefcases professional development and career-oriented programming, and a Team Leader Coaching series designed to equip future team captains.
"Shelia has been a great mentor and friend, and it is an honor to follow in her footsteps," Rahn said. "I am excited about taking on the role of SWA, and I look forward to the ways in which it will help me further engage and encourage our student-athletes."
As SWA, Rahn will represent King, the staff and student-athletes in the NCAA and Conference Carolinas, and will have an increased role on various committees on campus, as well as more involvement with mentoring and developing female coaches.
"Nancye has been a respected member of our staff and leadership team for the past six years," said Hicks. "To have someone with her experience and abilities ready to step into the SWA role will be instrumental in keeping our department moving forward."
As she begins her fourth year on staff, head acrobatics and tumbling coach
Miranda Merkison will add the title director of events and community relations to her responsibilities for the upcoming year. In this new role, she will take on duties previously held by other staff, but will also focus on new initiatives for King athletics. She will also serve on Hicks' athletic leadership team.
"Losing two significant administrators in our department created a void, and required the restructuring of a number of responsibilities," said Hicks. "Miranda is a talented young professional who brings a lot of energy, creativity, and leadership to the department, and is perfectly equipped to step into this role, as well as provide leadership on some new initiatives."
Among the duties she will assume, Merkison will oversee varsity events, including oversight of event managers, game day promotions and community events. She'll also coordinate gym and practice schedules for indoor sports, and serve as liaison for department community service events.
As far as new initiatives, she will coordinate King's creative media, focusing on social media, to promote the off the field activities of King's student-athletes. She will work closely with director of athletic communications
Travis Chell, as well as coaches and staff, to utilize social media to promote and engage King's student-athletes.
"I am beyond thrilled to take on an additional role this school year," Said Merkison. "My hope is to continue to enhance our community outreach as well as bring positive leadership to our athletic programs. I want to continue to serve and lead our student-athletes and staff to become leaders in our society by building relationships and doing our part by giving back to the community. I am also thankful for the opportunity to bring my creativity and professional experience to our social media and create an impressionable brand to enhance our student athlete and community engagement for King athletics."
As the fall 2020 seasons begin amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, King, along with Conference Carolinas, remains committed to providing the best possible competitive and championship experience for all student-athletes. The first date of competition for fall sports is scheduled for Friday, September 18.
