Gina Stoll | WKU

Current Job/Position: Senior Associate AD/SWA at Western Kentucky University
 
What do you enjoy most about your current role or profession?
No two days are the same, and I love the constant problem-solving that comes with working in athletics. The dynamic environment keeps me engaged and allows me to find creative solutions that support student-athletes and the department as a whole.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in athletics administration?
I initially became interested in the operations side of sports and quickly realized I had a strong skill set in organization and planning. I also looked up to Senior Woman Administrators and their advocacy for women in sports, and I knew early on that was a position I aspired to one day.

How has sports shaped who you are today?
I built a tremendous amount of character as a student-athlete. My experience wasn’t always easy — it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows — but facing adversity and sticking with it taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of commitment.

What barriers or challenges have you faced as a woman in sports, and how have you worked to overcome them?
Athletics is a fast-paced industry, and finding a healthy work-life balance — especially while starting a family — has been one of the biggest challenges. There are long hours and high demands, but I’ve learned that you’re not alone in it. Having the support of family and colleagues makes a huge difference, and there’s something special about raising your family around sports.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach, teammate, or mentor?
Be fully present in every room you walk into — your focus and intention matter. Lead by example, never asking others to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself. When you show up with integrity, effort, and purpose, your work will speak for itself and will always be noticed.

How have you seen opportunities for women in sports evolve during your career?
When I first started in the industry, it was uncommon to see women in leadership roles within traditionally male-dominated sports like football. Now, it’s much more common, which has opened the door to endless opportunities for women to grow, lead, and make an impact across all areas of athletics.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to work in college athletics?
Make as many meaningful relationships as you can. I still stay in contact with staff from my undergraduate years and colleagues from graduate school — we bounce ideas off each other and support one another. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but the meaningful connections you build will be invaluable throughout your career. We’re all in this together.

How would you describe what it means to be limitless as a woman in sports?
To be limitless means expanding what’s possible for the next generation. It’s about doing things differently, pushing boundaries, and not being afraid to fail. I tell my staff all the time — failure leads to growth, and we learn just as much from what doesn’t work as we do from what does.