Paulina Mihelich | NM State
Hometown/Current City: Elwood, IL (Hometown) / Las Cruces, NM (current)
Current Job/Position: Assistant Athletic Director of Equipment Operations & Sports Administrator Women’s Golf at New Mexico State
What do you enjoy most about your current role or profession?
The most enjoyable thing about being an equipment manager is that no two days are the same. One day everything may be running smoothly, and the next I’m sewing uniforms, scrubbing out a mystery stain, or fixing an unexpected problem or piece of equipment. I love being able to provide student-athletes with new gear and seeing their excitement when they first see the final product. Uniform design is a particular passion of mine, especially this year as we are transitioning to a new apparel brand. This allows me to use my creativity to come up with uniforms we are proud of. Most rewarding of all is witnessing the joy of student athletes as they succeed both on and off the field. When they have success, I am right there with them celebrating those last-minute wins, but also there for them after those heartbreaking losses. Another thing I enjoy is being part of a supportive community of fellow equipment managers and vendors. We all deal with the same problems at the end of the day, so sometimes it is nice to be able to bounce ideas back and forth.
How did you get started in this career path?
I began my career as an equipment manager as a student manager for the football team at Southern Illinois University, where I assisted with the day-to-day operations of the program during practices and games, working primarily with quarterbacks. During my senior year, I was selected to serve as an equipment graduate assistant at SIU, covering football, softball, and women’s golf while also assisting with various administrative and office responsibilities. Although equipment management was not initially my intended career path, I had planned to pursue a career in healthcare—I stepped away from college athletics after earning my master’s degree and worked at a hospital in my hometown. After a year, I realized how much I missed the collegiate athletics environment and applied for an assistant equipment manager position at Drake University. I spent three years as an assistant equipment manager and an additional half year as the head equipment manager, where I expanded my experience across multiple sports, including soccer, track, basketball, and rowing. In 2022, through professional connections established during my time at Southern Illinois, I accepted the position of Director of Equipment at New Mexico State University. In this role, I oversee the entire equipment department and manage the daily operations for football, softball, and women’s basketball.
How has sports shaped who you are today?
Working in sports since graduating high school has had a significant role in shaping who I am today. It has given me the confidence to use my voice and strengthen my ability to make quick, effective decisions in fast-paced environments. It has allowed me to learn new skills while continually sharpening those I already had, both professionally and personally. Most importantly, sports have provided opportunities for growth as a leader, helping me develop accountability, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility. Being young and still working in sports, I feel like I have the ability to continue to learn and grow in all areas.
What barriers or challenges have you faced as a woman in sports, and how have you worked to overcome them?
As a woman in sports, I’ve faced challenges related to credibility, locker room access, and trust. I’ve had to work harder to be taken seriously and to prove my knowledge in environments where my expertise is sometimes questioned. Limited or awkward locker room access can also create barriers to doing my job effectively. Building trust with athletes, coaches, and colleagues can take extra time in spaces where women are still underrepresented. I’ve worked to overcome these challenges by being intentional and thoughtful in my approach, especially when working with student athletes. I take the time to explain the reasoning behind decisions so trust and understanding are built. I also ensure there is a male staff member available when appropriate to help navigate access-related situations. I continuously work to be as knowledgeable and prepared as possible, so my decisions are confident, informed, and respected.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach, teammate, or mentor?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to trust my gut, not overthink, and rely on what I know. It all goes back to the original training/guidance I received as a student manager. I have carried a lot of those values and expectations with me as I have grown within the profession. I’ve also been reminded that it’s okay to ask for advice or assistance when needed and that doing so doesn’t take away from my capability. Sometimes bouncing ideas off peers can help with personal and professional growth. I always like to remember that, I am often more capable than I give myself credit for.
How do you see women in sports continuing to make an impact in the years ahead?
I feel that women will continue to make a significant impact in sports as increased visibility and positive attention are around. This will create more opportunities and pathways for growth for women in sports. As younger generations of women see the success and leadership of women already working in sports, they will be more likely to pursue and thrive in these roles. Women also bring strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine care for the well-being of student-athletes and teams, which will continue to strengthen athletic departments and the overall culture of sports in the years ahead.
How do you celebrate your wins — big or small?
I celebrate wins by taking pride in the details that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a smooth game day with no issues, a last-minute problem solved, or seeing athletes and coaches confident in their gear, those moments matter. I also make it a point to acknowledge my staff and thank them for their hard work because success is always a team effort and I could not do it without them. With bigger game wins, I always take the time to soak in the atmosphere and reflect on how great it feels when everyone has had a successful day. Really daily, I remind myself of how blessed I am to have grown so much in this male-dominated field. I am always appreciative to those who have helped me get to where I am today and I always want to be an inspiration to those who come after me.
What’s something people might not realize about equipment operations?
Most people don’t realize all the behind-the-scenes involvement equipment managers have. Most people think that equipment managers just make sure the laundry is done and the uniforms are ready for game day. This role includes so much more than that; like managing budgets, negotiating and overseeing contracts both large and small, and ensuring all uniforms and apparel meet branding and compliance guidelines. Equipment managers are also responsible for selecting and maintaining safety equipment for student athletes, organizing and executing daily practices for multiple sports, and handling complex logistics. On the football side specifically, this includes coordinating all equipment travels such as the semi-trailers, extra equipment, player bags, and uniforms—as well as managing coach and player headset communication to ensure everything runs smoothly on game day. In short terms we are the Swiss army knife of an athletics staff. Always prepared, always finding a solution to the problem, and always a part of the student athlete success.
How would you describe what it means to be limitless as a woman in sports?
Being limitless as a woman in sports means understanding that there are no boundaries on what you can achieve. With confidence in your abilities, a strong foundation of knowledge, and a supportive network around you, women can continue to break barriers, take on leadership roles, and accomplish great things in every area of the sports industry.