As I transition towards the end of my term, I reflect on the 2013-14 year by looking back on the progress and advancements we made in the NIRSA Championship Series. Among them are the streamlining and marketing our brand through social media and the establishment of the first-ever club basketball league. Or, better yet, how we increased tournament accessibility and professional development opportunities by implementing institutional registrations, allowing programs to participate by having their officials, teams, and professional staff be a part in our national championship tournaments.
These are just some of the things that stand out, and, ultimately, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our vision and the plans for the future.
Yes, there’s still work to be done, but we will learn and capitalize on our initiatives from this year in order to pave the way for an even better 2014-15. And, with that being said, I’d like to introduce you to the 2014-15 NIRSA Championship Series Chair, Stephanie McAlpine from the University of Texas-Arlington.
Stephanie has a proven, exquisite, pinpoint, and contextual knowledge-base regarding NIRSA and the Championship Series. Not only was she one of the individuals present at the NIRSA National Campus Championship Series (NCCS) inception, but she has been involved with almost every possible event by volunteering at regional and national tournaments for Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer, and Tennis.
Stephanie understands the bigger picture of what we’re trying to accomplish with the NIRSA Championship Series, the importance of collaboration along the way, and has nothing but the best intentions when it comes to making our events excel for both our participants and professional staff. As we continue to improve, push forward, develop, and establish our Championship Series, there’s no better person to steer these initiatives than Stephanie; I wish her and the rest of the Series Work Team nothing but the best of luck for 2014-15!
But, even with all this looking ahead, there’s still plenty of great action going on right now! Here are a few other updates for you for April 2014:
We are accepting host-site applications for the 2014-15 NIRSA Basketball Regionals, and the host-site application for the 2016-18 NIRSA National Basketball Championships–both deadlines are May 30.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you at NIRSA 2014 later this month! With conference in mind, I would like to remind you that you’re formally invited to attend the 2013-14 NIRSA Championship Series Year-End Review on April 26 at 9:45am in the Jackson Room! And be sure to join us at the NIRSA Championship Series Thank You Social, held April 24 from 1:30-2:30pm in Presidential Boardroom A.
Until then, safe travels to Nashville!
Onward,
Jonathan L. Elliott
