NACWAA

Judith Sweet Commitment Award

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Erin Adkins, USD's Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance, received good news today that she is the 2015 recipient of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award.

This prestigious national award, named after the former NCAA President and UC San Diego Athletics Director, is bestowed upon non-senior athletics administrators who are committed to providing high-level leadership and guidance while going beyond the call of duty and providing outstanding service to their department. Honorees are nominated by NACWAA members and selected by the NACWAA Awards Committee. Adkins will also be recognized at the 2015 NACWAA National Convention in Tampa, Florida in mid-October.

"I am so thankful to NACWAA for this recognition," said Erin Adkins. "I am especially thankful to USD athletics for thinking of and nominating me for such a prestigious award. I know that I am only considered for this type of award because of the amazing group of administrators, coaches and student-athletes that I am surrounded by daily at USD."

A member of San Diego's athletic department since 2009, Erin currently oversees athletic compliance for 17 sports and 450 student-athletes. She ensures that all student-athletes, coaches and administrators follow all Division 1 NCAA rules and legislation. In addition Erin serves as the sport administrator for Golf, Men's Tennis and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

"Erin is relentless in her desire to develop as a professional," stated Shaney Fink, USD Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator. "She appreciates her opportunities and understands that professional development takes time and experience. She takes the time to learn from her colleagues and respects their experience and because of this, her colleagues look for ways to help her grow."

For two years (2013-14 and 2012-13) Erin served as the compliance chair of the West Coast Conference. On campus Erin is the lead liaison for admission and financial aid, constantly working to build and strengthen communication between main campus and athletics. She is also in her third year of serving as a USD Care Advocate (Campus Assault Resources and Education).

Added Adkins, "I constantly remind myself that I am a part of the lucky few that get to work in a career and at a school they love. Every drive up and down the hill to USD, as I come to and from work, I take a moment to appreciate how rare it is to be so enamored and inspired by my job. Even during the hardest days not one minute goes by that I take any of it for granted."

Prior to her current position she was the Assistant Director of Athletics of compliance, she assisted with daily compliance activities and served as an academic counselor for numerous USD athletic teams. During her years of law school at California Western Ms. Adkins placed a high interest in Sports Law. Prior to her work with USD, Ms. Adkins was a legal assistant for the professional baseball team the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and two local San Diego law firms, Foley & Lardner and Shoecraft & Burton.