Reeves named one of nation's top athletic directors

Lindsay Reeves, University of North Georgia (UNG) director of athletics, has been named one of four NCAA Division II winners of the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year Award. The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) picks the winners.

She is only the second two-time recipient from Georgia after previously earning the distinction in 2016.

"I am honored and humbled to be recognized with these industry leaders," Reeves said. "It takes a village, and I am very blessed to have such an amazing team that all work together to make a difference for our student-athletes."

Winners will be recognized June 9 during NACDA's 55th annual convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. This year's other three honorees are Jim Johnson of Pittsburg State University, Laura Liesman of Georgian Court University and Tim McMurray of Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Reeves is in her 20th year at UNG. The 2019-20 season marks her 10th year as director of athletics for the 13-sport intercollegiate program after investing five years as associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator. She is only the third athletic director in the history of UNG athletics and oversees more than 50 athletic department employees, nine facilities and more than 225 student-athletes.

Reeves is the first female director of athletics at UNG. She has led the development and implementation of a diversity action plan. She is heralded as an advocate for all areas of athletic excellence, including team and student-athlete academic success and community engagement.

Under her leadership, UNG athletic programs have enjoyed prosperity on and off the playing fields and courts, highlighted by the UNG softball team winning the 2015 NCAA Division II national championship. Her department won the school's first-ever Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup in 2017. 

In addition to successes on the field of competition, the sports programs at UNG have championed the department's mission of total student-athlete development by teaching them the core principles of competition, integrity, fair play, personal character, and good sportsmanship.

Reeves' leadership reflects UNG's strong commitment to the overall experience of its student-athletes and to the important roles of service, leadership and respect, and how these attributes contribute to their total experiences at UNG.

Reeves was one of 28 athletic directors honored across all divisions.

"The Athletics Director of the Year Award acknowledges the leadership and positive influence top athletics directors have had at their respective institutions across all levels," said Brian Cummings, Under Armour's vice president of North America sports marketing. "Under Armour is proud to partner with NACDA to honor those individuals who set the standard in guiding their student-athletes through the ongoing journey to be better."