BYU’s Liz Darger to Chair NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee
Brigham Young University’s Senior Associate Athletic Director, Liz Darger, is set to enhance her role in collegiate athletics as she is appointed chair of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee for the 2026-27 season. Darger, who will begin as vice chair during the 2025-26 season, has been an integral part of the committee since 2024.
A Commitment to Growing Women’s Basketball
Darger expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It has been a privilege to serve on the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee, and I am honored by the trust my peers have placed in me to serve as vice-chair this year and chair in 2026-27. I look forward to supporting Amanda Braun as we strategically navigate an exciting time of growth in Division I women’s basketball with wisdom and care.”
Committee Responsibilities
The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee has a pivotal role in shaping the championship landscape. Key responsibilities include:
- Team selection, including seeding and bracketing.
- Site selection for championship rounds.
- Management of championship operations and games.
- Handling misconduct issues related to the championship.
- Selection of championship officials.
Importantly, the committee is charged with selecting the 37 at-large teams that will join the 31 automatic qualifiers in the 68-team championship bracket.
Collaborative Insights from Experienced Leaders
Darger will work alongside a diverse group of committee members, including:
- Amanda Braun (Chair, 2025-26)
- Vicky Chun (Yale)
- Amy Folan (Central Michigan)
- Josh Heird (Louisville)
- Jeff Konya (San Jose State)
- Marvin Lewis (George Mason)
- Jill Redmond (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Ashleigh Simmons (Western Carolina)
- Candice Storey Lee (Vanderbilt)
- Lynn Tighe (Villanova)
One committee position is still pending confirmation.
A Longstanding Dedication to BYU and Women’s Sports
Darger joined BYU’s athletic department in 2015, and since then, she has served as the senior woman administrator. Her role extends to being a sport administrator for several teams and she is also a member of the Big 12 Conference’s executive SWA committee. Moreover, Darger participates in the NCAA Common Ground Leadership Team, which focuses on fostering cooperation between faith-based and LGBTQ communities in the realm of collegiate sports.
Before her tenure at BYU, Darger served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Utah Valley from 2009 to 2015, furthering her commitment to women’s athletics.
An Inspirational Figure in Sports Administration
As an advocate for women’s sports and a dedicated leader, Liz Darger highlights the importance of equity and inclusion in athletics. Her new leadership role presents an opportunity to advance women’s basketball on a national level, ensuring that student-athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
