JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An athletic director in Jacksonville is breaking the mold in a male-dominated industry and hopes others will follow in her steps.
As of last year, only 24 percent of all NCAA athletic director roles were held by women.
There is more representation on the high school level, but it’s a role that’s still predominantly held by men.
Women like Tammie Talley are helping change the stereotype around women in sports.
Talley first started out as a teacher and coach at Paxon High roughly 30 years ago. Now, she oversees more than three dozen schools in Duval County.
“When I started back in the 90′s it was me and one other female in our 42 schools,” Talley said. “I think we come a long way in 30 years in our district and the country.”
Now, Talley said almost half of the schools have female athletic directors. Talley said being a woman, in a male-dominated field, never held her back. She said she also had great role models, who worked to make sure women had a place in sports administration. She hopes other young girls feel the same way about her.
“I hope they see the path that I’ve taken and what I’ve accomplished along my way, my journey and they feel like this is something they can definitely do and don’t be like they have to go into something else because it’s a man’s world.”
Her advice to them -- don’t let any roadblock get in your way.
“If this is what your dream is don’t let anything, or anyone, stand in your way.”
Talley’s determination helped land her the title of Florida Athletic Director of the Year two years ago.
This year she’s one of eight finalists for the National Athletic Director of the Year title.