There’s a certain kind of magic that surrounds the NIRSA Championship Series; not just in the thrill of competition or in the art of the call, but in the people who return, year after year, to give back to the game, mentor the next crew, and build something bigger than the points counted on the scoreboard at the end of championship game. As I begin my term as Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series, I’m reminded of the countless video calls, car rides, sideline conversations, and shared meals that made this more than a professional pursuit. It became a passion.
My own journey with the NIRSA Championship Series started way back in the day—as a student official in oversized stripes, trying to figure out which way to point on a close out of bounds call. What I didn’t know at the time was that I was stepping into a network that would shape not just my career, but who I am as a leader and person.
Now, as Chair of the Championship Series Executive Team, I’m carrying with me the lessons collected from every stop along the way. I learned how to ask “why”—and really listen for the answer—from Jonathan Johnston, Senior Associate Director of Programs at East Texas A&M University. Oscee Wheatfall, Associate Director of Operations & Events at Texas A&M University-College Station, taught me that leadership sometimes means making tough decisions that won’t make everyone happy. From Kristofer Newsome, I learned the importance of using our voice to advocate for social justice. Kelsey Jones, Assistant Professor of Practice in Higher Education at Western Carolina University showed me how to lead as a strong, influential woman in sport. And from Brooke Martin, product owner for Fusion PLAY & CLUB, I learned how to amplify voices that aren’t always heard, and how powerful it is to do so.
Today, I’m proud to serve on the Executive Team with a phenomenal group of leaders: Nikki Vance, Coordinator of Intramural Sports & Youth Camps at the University of Oregon who is serving as Vice Chair, Greg Durham, Director of Partnerships & Programs at Georgia Institute of Technology who is serving as Second Vice Chair, Lauren Carlson, NIRSA Coordinator of Sport Programs, and Nicole Jackson, NIRSA Director of Sport Programs. Together, we’re committed to upholding what makes The Series special: the sense of belonging, the passion for the game, the mentorship that lifts people up, and the memories that make it impossible to stay away.
With so many moments, matchups, and memories happening throughout the NIRSA Championship Series, it can be easy to focus on the logistics — the last-minute bracket changes, the officiating mechanics, the tournament schedules. But if you’ve ever stayed up too late laughing with your tournament committee, learned something life-changing from a mentor in a quiet moment, or found your people in a crowd of peers wearing university polos, you know there’s something much deeper at play.
That’s what the Heart of the Series is all about.
Each month during my term of leadership, I’ll be sharing stories that shine a light on the people, connections, and moments that make the NIRSA Championship Series more than a collection of tournaments: it’s a community built on belonging, mentorship, and memories. These aren’t just recaps; they’re reminders of why we come back, year after year.
I invite you to read along, reflect, and maybe even see a piece of your own journey in the stories I’ll be sharing. Because at the heart of this series—and The Series—is all of us.
- For more information, contact NIRSA Director of National Sports Programs, Nicole Jackson.
Stephanie Calhoun is currently the Competitive Sports Coordinator at West Virginia University. She serves on the #RecChat Committee.
