College Sports Information Directors of America

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This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CoSIDA membership during the celebration of CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week for 2020-21. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.


Sarah Meier – University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Associate Athletic Director/SWA
by Monyae Williamson – Western Illinois University, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications
 

“If you have an opportunity to gain experience, take it. Whether it’s serving on institutional, conference, NCAA, etc. committees, or helping out other schools that need assistance in hosting games, or volunteering with local organizations, etc., take those opportunities. Not only are you meeting new people and gaining experience, but you’re also helping others out.”
- Sarah Meier, UCCS Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator

Sarah Meier has spent her adult life at NCAA Division II institutions and a D2 conference. Receiving both her bachelor’s degree (communications) and master’s degree (sports administration) at St. Cloud University, she then ventured into athletic communications, working at Fort Lewis two different times, at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and now at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. In her third year at Colorado Springs, she serves as Associate Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator. Meier was named Associate Athletic Director for External Relations in April 2018 and then assumed the department’s Senior Woman Administrator title in December 2019.

Along the way, Meier has served on numerous regional and national committees. A former board member of D2SIDA, Meier also previously served as the NCAA South Central Region Chair for Women's Soccer along with being a National Committee member.

Below, Meier talks about being a mother to three children, interests outside work, and her career path.
 

In 140 characters or less, tell us who you are and how you got to where you are today.
SM: I am a Christian, a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mom to three amazing kids. I’m thankful my career in sports information has allowed me to continue my passion in sports.

From external relations to your appointment to Senior Woman Administrator, you wear many hats at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. What advice do you have for SIDs looking to become a senior-level administrator? 
SM: If you have an opportunity to gain experience, take it. Whether it’s serving on institutional, conference, NCAA, etc. committees, or helping out other schools that need assistance in hosting games, or volunteering with local organizations, etc., take those opportunities. Not only are you meeting new people and gaining experience, but you’re also helping others out.
 

You previously served as the associate commissioner for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. How was the transition from a conference office, and what did you enjoy most about your time there? SM:
SM: Having worked on a campus before my time at the conference office, the transition was pretty smooth. I gained an immense amount of experience at the RMAC office that I am very grateful for. What I enjoyed the most about the RMAC office was being able to travel to conference schools and get to know so many people at the institutions. Not only was it a great experience to travel to other campuses, but a lot of friendships grew out of those experiences.

What are a few tools/tips that have made your job easier during the pandemic?
SM: The pandemic has allowed me to catch up on some work projects and website maintenance and to get organized for what will be a very hectic spring season. In this profession, there is always work to be done. When you have extra time because you’re not preparing for games, take that time to get caught up on work or work ahead wherever possible. 

Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of (work-related or personal)?
SM: Probably being able to survive last spring during the pandemic when school, work, jobs, etc. all went remote at the same time. It might not seem like much, but having three kids doing remote school for 2 ½ months while working at home full-time and on video calls all day long is an accomplishment. We all survived!
 

Let’s talk a little more about your family. As a mother of three, how do you maintain work/life balance – or can you?
SM: I don’t sleep … Hahaha. I have a great husband, Nathan, who helps a lot with the kids and their schoolwork and chores. But I also appreciate all the little things and the time I spend with them … From getting them ready for school in the morning to dropping them off at school, watching them at practice (pre-COVID), listening them talk about their day, and more. Every day with them is a gift.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
SM: I love hiking, climbing mountains, mountain biking, playing with the kids at the park, working in the yard, reading CJ Box books, and of course, taking naps.

I understand you are an NFL fan … and particularly, your favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. Is there a game that you’ll always cherish/remember? 
SM: I was born and raised in Wisconsin and lived in Green Bay, so it’s in my blood to cheer for the Packers! I’ll always remember my first game at Lambeau Field. It took place on a bitter cold Sunday, and I was with my dad watching Joe Montana play the year after the 49ers won the Super Bowl.

There’s lots of talk about the lottery right now and the millions and millions at stake. If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d do with the winnings? 
SM: I would put money away to pay for my kids’ college educations, and then take a family vacation.