Kris Pierce Leads USF to Women’s Final Four Glory

Story Links

Empowering Women in Sports: Kris Pierce’s Inspiring Journey

TAMPA, Fla. – Kris Pierce, the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of South Florida, first envisioned a career in sports during her college years while working in her university’s athletic department. Her journey began in an entry-level role, where she quickly realized the immense learning opportunities available to her.

“I gained invaluable experience in that position,” Pierce reflected. “I always tell others to pay attention to everything you encounter, whether it’s tasks you’re assigned or documents you read. It doesn’t matter where you begin; you can carve out your own path.”

Pierce’s dedication to her career has brought her to a prominent role within USF Athletics, serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Women’s Administrator, directly supporting Michael Kelly, the Vice President for Athletics.

Recently, during the NCAA Women’s Final Four celebrations, Pierce had the honor of participating in a thoughtful panel discussion titled “Beyond the Baseline,” which featured other influential women in sports, including Kourtney Sanchez from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rafaela Amador Fink of the Tampa Bay Rays, Elizabeth Frazier from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Christina Unkel, President and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Sun.

Expressing gratitude for being part of such an event, Pierce noted that she gained a wealth of knowledge from her fellow panelists, despite also offering her own perspectives.

“It’s truly inspiring to share the stage with such remarkable women,” Pierce said, reflecting on her previous roles at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) before her arrival at USF in 2021. “Women in leadership positions face unique challenges that stem from our different perspectives. Our approaches to game strategy, leadership, and decision-making often vary, and this diversity can lead to more effective outcomes.”

Pierce’s passion for sports is deeply intertwined with her desire to connect individuals. “To me, sports is about building connections—among athletes, coaches, and fans,” she shared. “I thrive on facilitating these connections and enabling others to achieve their dreams.”

During the discussion, Pierce acknowledged that her role in athletics stands apart from those in professional sports, largely due to the collegiate athlete experience. “College is a pivotal time for young people to grow and discover who they are,” she remarked. “It’s essential for them to explore different cultures and life experiences.”

One of Pierce’s primary concerns within USF Athletics is adapting to the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the forthcoming implementation of direct revenue-sharing for athletes.

“NIL represents one of the most progressive shifts we’ve seen in college athletics, moving us closer to align with current market dynamics,” Pierce noted. “It’s empowering student-athletes to launch their own businesses as they begin their collegiate careers rather than waiting until after graduation.”

Pierce emphasized the importance of education surrounding brand-building for these athletes. “We guide them on how to develop a business and what their obligations might entail, such as using social media or making public appearances,” she explained. “Our female student-athletes are actively seeking these opportunities, discovering unprecedented value along the way.”

The complexities of college athletics have expanded in ways Pierce may not have anticipated, yet she remains passionate about her career path, especially for those driven by a love for sports and connection.

“I urge everyone to embrace every opportunity that comes your way,” Pierce advised. “Adopt an attitude of eagerness to learn. Be receptive, soak up knowledge, and relish your early career experiences. Don’t worry if it’s not your dream scenario; you can pivot later. For young professionals applying for their first job, I always suggest aiming for a role that fulfills at least two of the three criteria: personal interest, preferred location, and adequate compensation. If you can achieve two out of three, take it and go make a difference!”