NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGIATE WOMEN ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATORS
Member Profile

Tonia Walker is the associate athletics director/SWA at Winston-Salem State University. In 2004, Tonia was a graduate of the NACWAA/HERS East Institute for Administrative Advancement and was honored as 2004 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Senior Woman Administrator of the Year and as 2005 NCAA Fellows Program recipient.

How did you hear about NACWAA? Why do you think membership in NACWAA is important?
I have always been encouraged by my mentors Alfreeda Goff, Jacqie McWilliams and Monique Morgan to “get out of the box”. Each of these women is involved with NACWAA and has shared how the organization has been of great benefit to them. I am so fortunate to be affiliated with the group of powerful, successful and encouraging women of NACWAA. It is because of NACWAA that I have increased my network base and have made friends in the profession that I am able to call upon when in need. I have grown in my own administrative and leadership skills though my experiences from NACWAA Fall Forums and NACWAA/HERS (East Class of 2004). It is because of these experiences that I am now more confident in my leadership and continue to mature in my weaknesses.

How did you begin your career in athletics?
I have been an athlete all of my life and was offered a summer internship with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) during my final semester of school. Though it was only to suffice as employment until I competed my final semester of school, it was there that I developed a passion for athletics administration. I returned to school to attain a master’s in sports administration. The rest is history!

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most rewarding?
I could provide a list of challenges that would probably be present at any Division II institution in this profession (lack of funds, understaffed, the need or facility upgrades, the need for more women on the staff). However, in my role as senior woman administrator from a personal standpoint, dealing with today’s generation of studentathletes has to be one of the most challenging issues in the scheme of it all. It is often times difficult to relate to the means by which today’s student-athletes rationalize and justify their actions. I have found that I must be strategic in motivating them in order to yield the outcome in which I would like to foresee. The most rewarding experiences always come when I have aided in the growth and development of a student-athlete or younger staff member through mentoring and motivation.

How do you balance your professional and personal lives?
I am a wife and mother of two (ages 9 & 7). It’s important to always make time for family. Realizing that there are days that I will arrive home late or be required to be out of town for extended periods of time, I always prepare my family for those times. I also make it a point to leave school in a timely fashion on the days that I can come straight home from work so that I can spend quality time with my family. I never want my kids to miss out on being kids and spending time with mom, so I am sure to help with homework, run the family shuttle, taking them to events, practices and games. It’s difficult at times, I must admit, but I have the assistance of a supportive husband and without him, I would not be able to balance work and home and make it appear so effortless! He’s my rock!

What hobbies, hidden talents, etc. do you enjoy?
Reading and cooking - I sell desserts and do a little catering on the side.

What advice would you give to women going into intercollegiate athletics administration?
I wished that I had known then what I know now…as the old saying goes. Join NACWAA - it’s one of the most powerful organizations to aid in your growth in the profession. I would also encourage any woman who is pursuing a career in athletics administration to attend NACWAA/HERS. Wow! What a difference it makes! The experience is like removing the blinders and realizing that it’s another world out there waiting for you to reach out and make a difference. Women should get out of the box! Get out of your comfort zones and be willing to accept new challenges. Get active! Work to enlarge your network base so that decision makers will know who you are. Join committees and organizations. Diversify your support system to include varied ethnic backgrounds, genders, and cultures! The circles in intercollegiate athletics are very small. You never know whom the next man knows. Stay current on trends in athletics and business. Be able to show how outside campus activity effect student-athletes. Read and educate yourself in the profession so that you become proactive instead of reactive. Be a big picture thinker!!! Finally, learn how to encourage yourself and believe in yourself. Continue to go through personal development seminars and workshops and display an attitude of confidence. Find your passion…believe in yourself and never let anyone steal your joy! Your endurance, integrity, faith, love and willingness to grow is what makes you successful.