NCAA

🏀 Sisterhood, Basketball, and the Power of College Sports 🏀 At the NCAA, we believe in the power of college sports to shape lives, build lifelong connections, and create stories that extend far beyond the game. Our very own Olivia Brown recently wrote a deeply personal and beautifully crafted piece about what basketball means to her and her two sisters, Jillian and Macy. In "In the Brown Family, Basketball is a Sisterhood," Olivia shares how the game has been the foundation of their bond—from childhood one-on-one battles in the gym to supporting each other on college basketball’s biggest stage. Her storytelling captures not just the competition, but the resilience, growth, and unwavering support that college sports foster. Olivia played at Valparaiso before joining our communications team, where she continues to bring the heart of college athletics to life through her words. Now, she gets to cheer on Jillian (Virginia) and Macy (Michigan) as they make their own mark in the sport.

At the NCAA, our people drive our mission forward every day. We’re proud to see our own Mark Hicks, Managing Director of NCAA Enforcement Development, and Clint Hangebrauck, Managing Director of NCAA Enterprise Risk Management, featured on the latest episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show! 🎙️ In this conversation with host Wayne Kimmel, Mark and Clint share insights into their careers, leadership in college sports, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Their expertise helps shape policies and initiatives that support student-athletes and the collegiate experience. Check out their episode here: 🔗 bit.ly/SSCSLS

🏀 Behind the Bracket: Meet the NCAA’s Selection Sunday Experts 🏀 While filling out a March Madness bracket may take just 15 minutes, Rick Nixon and David Worlock have spent nearly two decades making it all possible. Since starting in their roles on the same day in 2006, the two have worked tirelessly to guide the selection, seeding, and bracketing process for the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Their efforts ensure that when Selection Sunday arrives, every detail is in place—from finalizing the bracket to preparing for media appearances and managing tournament logistics. For Nixon and Worlock, the work doesn’t stop after Selection Sunday. They travel across the country, overseeing every stage of the tournament and ensuring a seamless experience for teams, media, and fans. And after 20 Final Fours each, they’ve collected more than memories—between the two of them, they have nearly 50 Final Four chairs. Dedicated, passionate, and integral to March Madness, Nixon and Worlock are part of the team that brings the tournament to life. #MarchMadness

Great to see our Senior Vice President of Business Performance, Brian Higgins, representing the NCAA at the 2025 Sloan Sports Analytics Conference! Brian had the opportunity to discuss the future of college sports, exploring the evolving landscape of data, innovation, and performance in the industry. Events like these provide valuable insights into how analytics can continue shaping the student-athlete experience!

Grateful to our Vice President of Division III, Louise McCleary, for representing the NCAA as the Women’s History Month speaker at UMass Boston. Her leadership and dedication to college athletics continue to inspire the next generation of sports professionals. #WomensHistoryMonth

A huge shoutout to our Division II team for hosting an incredible Division II National Championships Festival last week in Indianapolis! Over 1,100 student-athletes from 157 schools competed for national titles across five winter championships — all while experiencing the one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes DII special, with ceremonies, social events, and community engagement. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible — including the 550+ volunteers who brought it to life! 💙 #D2Festival #MakeItYours #NCAAD2

We’re excited to have the Division II National Championships Festival here in Indianapolis this week — and even more excited to crown some champions! 🏆 Last night, Lynda Tealer (SVP of Championships), Terri Steeb Gronau (VP of Division II), and Maritza Jones (Managing Director of Division II) helped officially open the Division II Festival at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, welcoming over 1,100 student-athletes to an unforgettable championship experience.💙 #D2Festival #MakeItYours #NCAAD2

👏 Huge shoutout to our Division III staff for hosting the DIII Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) Program, an incredible professional development opportunity for women leaders across Division III! This program brings together 30 outstanding DIII Senior Woman Administrators to grow, connect, and prepare for the next steps in their careers — whether that's as athletics directors, conference commissioners, or other leadership roles in college athletics. #NCAAD3 #whyd3

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the trailblazers who pave the way for future generations. This week, the Women’s Employee Engagement Group hosted a meaningful conversation with Derita Dawkins, Senior Woman Administrator at Arkansas and Chair of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee. Over brunch, Derita shared insights on leadership, advocacy, and the importance of elevating women’s voices in college sports. #WomensHistoryMonth 

As the excitement of March Madness builds, so does the responsibility to protect the integrity of competition. Mark Hicks, Managing Director of Enforcement Development, emphasizes the critical role of data sharing in safeguarding college sports from match manipulation and corruption. With betting interest in college athletics on the rise, proactive measures are more important than ever to ensure fair play and protect student-athletes. Through strategic partnerships, including with EGR Global, the NCAA is strengthening its commitment to upholding the values of competition and the well-being of college athletes. https://lnkd.in/gP9J3TbS