{"id":40256,"date":"2025-09-05T13:10:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T17:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=40256"},"modified":"2026-05-22T12:01:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:01:29","slug":"women-in-sport-spring-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/news\/2025\/09\/women-in-sport-spring-series\/","title":{"rendered":"Women in Sport Spring Series Exposes Students to Long List of Career Opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

North Carolina State University is making significant strides in its goal of becoming a hub for young adults interested in pursuing careers in women’s sports \u2014 particularly through the College of Natural Resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Bush<\/a>, a teaching professor in the Department Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, led a team of students and faculty in securing a generous grant from Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy<\/a> to launch the Women in Sport Spring Series<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The series couldn\u2019t have come at a better time: Revenue from women\u2019s sports is skyrocketing<\/a>. Bush said this rapid growth means students are plotting their educational journeys without knowing about the job opportunities available in today\u2019s sports industry \u2014 jobs in leadership, marketing, logistics, analysis, reporting, event planning and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students Inspire First Step to Leadership Summit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Women in Sport Leadership Summit, first held in 2023, serves as an important resource to develop, connect and advance professionals who will be entering the sport industry. Photo by Byron Umana-Herrera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bush, who leads courses covering topics ranging from the psychological and cultural dimensions in sport to sport administration and pedagogy, wants to prepare students of all genders to create a better balance in the industry when they enter it. Referencing data published by the NCAA<\/a>, Bush said that less than 25% of high school and college athletic directors are women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy Ph.D. was in the teaching side of sport and physical education, then I examined inequities in sport,\u201d she said. \u201cI see both the desire and the need for more involvement from people of underrepresented genders in all the roles surrounding athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bush\u2019s journey toward a series of educational programs about those roles got a boost from her students in 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA few students in a special-topics course wanted to develop a Women in Sport Leadership Summit. I was thrilled. We went to work immediately,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m grateful NC State Athletics got completely on board with us. The summit would not have been possible without their partnership\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inaugural summit in 2023 drew 75 college students. The following year, 115 attendees included administrators from local sports and recreation organizations as well as nearby universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donor Support Powers Program Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Women in Sport Leadership Initiative now includes a broader range of events, including a speaker series, mentoring program, sports clinic, and networking opportunities, all designed to empower and connect students to the industry of women and sports. Photo by Byron Umana-Herrera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Based on this success, Bush and departmental colleague Bryan Clift<\/a> applied for a $10,000 Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy Alumni Impact Fund<\/a> grant to develop a broader range of events leading up to a bigger-than-ever Women in Sport Leadership Summit. The fund supports initiatives that focus on empowering women and enhancing the university experience for all students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jennifer Piercy, assistant dean of philanthropy in the College of Natural Resources, said Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy’s support is a \u201ctestament to the impact alumni donors can have on students and student-led programs now and in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of alumni, Bush said one particular graduate played a substantial role in implementing all the ideas: Ashley Correa, who earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in sport management from the College of Natural Resources in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe and other alumni worked alongside current students. That\u2019s what I\u2019m most proud of: It has been former students reaching back to create opportunities for current students.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intentional Collaboration for Positive Outcomes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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During the Women in Sport Leadership Summit, attendees have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore professional growth opportunities. Photo by Byron Umana-Herrera <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Built on the existing Girls and Women in Sports Clinic and a mentoring program with Washington Magnet Elementary School, the 2025 Women in Sport Spring Series comprised the following programs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n