And just like that, my time as the Chair of the Exectuvie Team has come to an end once again. What a ride it has been—one that I’m thankful to have experienced. We never truly know what moments or events will shape us, and the Champ Series has been a pivotal part of my professional career. This experience forces you to really engage in the nuances of leadership, find your voice, and work with so many to push towards a common goal.
Managing the ebbs and flows that come with this experience is no small task. While working with others, I always look for skills and experiences that I can bank for future use. My role as the chair provides ample opportunities to get to know many talented individuals. I thought I was good after my first go around, but—looking back—I was just trying to stay afloat. I’m a big believer in timing, and it felt like this was the right time for me to step back in and provide whatever assistance I could.
I was not alone as I headed up the Executive Team this year, and I want to personally thank all the people who supported me along the way as well as those who made me stop to pause and find answers for them too. I would like to personally thank a number of people:
Stephanie Calhoun, the future is very bright with you leading the way. Your passion, kindness, and preparation will always be needed and I was ecstatic to serve with you on your first year on the Executive Team.
Kris Newsome, your timely responses and considerate thoughts helped add intentionality to what we wanted to accomplish this year. You are a strong presence on the team and your command of situations will help further the NIRSA Championship Series.
Lauren Carlson, you impressed me with your ability to make the impossible happen. There was never a task too big or small for you, and your dedication to wanting the best for the Series and especially the people involved will always be commendable. I saw how hard you worked and the many hours you put into making us more efficient and consistent, and that work will always be needed.
Last, but certainly not least, Nicole Jackson, the boss. I am humbled that I got to usher you in during your initial stint with the Champ Series way back when and that you thought of me to help you on your transition to a new expanded role. I respect your willingness and openness when it came to change and trying to meet our constituents where they were. I love the fact that you would not rest on the history of the Champ Series but wanted to question and provide the “why” to a lot of our processes. From my standpoint, I think the Champ Series is in great hands with you at the helm and I know if people continue to trust your vision, it will only make things even better.
Thank all of you for making this a great experience! I always looked forward to our Wednesday Zoom calls.
To all the chairs, work team members, board members, volunteers, officials, participants, and supporters, thank you for believing in me and allowing me to guide this journey one more time. I know it’s never easy to turn something we care over to strangers, but know I tried to lead to the best of my ability. We did not accomplish everything we set out to do, but that is never the goal. Leadership is never complete and it never stops; it’s about development and advancement from our previous positions. Trust that the group, along with Nikki Vance, will continue to help the Champ Series be its best version of itself. Give them grace as they navigate this new landscape and try to meet the demands of all of you passionate supporters.
I know we’ll figure out the sweet spot again at future tournaments. Keep in mind that—just like two+ decades ago—it takes time. I’m excited for the opportunities that are coming and the relationships that have been created. Continue to be open to new ideas and possibilities because we must try out a few things to get some new results. As former United States Women’s National Soccer Team member Ali Krieger put it, “There’s always room for improvement no matter what.” And as someone who has accepted their fate as part of the older regime of NIRSA, I look forward to seeing how the new professionals attack our problem areas. NIRSA and the Champ Series has done a lot for my professional development; however, it’s always been a two-way street and I hope I did some good for the Association and Series as well. Thanks for riding along with me one last time! I am very appreciative as always. If you still feel the need to chat with me, I’m just an email away.
Peace. Love. NIRSA.
Oscee Wheatfall, Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series, is currently the Associate Director of Operations & Events at Texas A & M University-College Station.
