Unleashing Potential: Elon University Athletic Director Reveals the Phoenix Rising Initiative

When Elon Athletics introduced its initiative, Phoenix Rising, it aimed to reshape its athletic vision with a five-year strategic plan. This program considers modern aspects of college sports, such as athletes’ rights, the transfer portal, and recent rulings that allow colleges to pay athletes.

A key focus of this initiative is developing a competitive mindset. Athletic Director Jennifer Strawley shared that while Elon has always valued competition, there’s room for new approaches based on recent feedback. “We’ve valued competitiveness, but now we need to talk about it differently,” she said.

Since 2021, Elon teams have achieved impressive results, winning over 12 CAA championships in various sports. However, Strawley believes in setting realistic, incremental goals for fundraising. For instance, she hopes to double fundraising potentially, enabling Elon to better compete with schools that traditionally spend more on athletics.

“It’s not just about rushing from point A to Z. It’s about setting achievable goals each year,” Strawley explained. Her vision includes creating a strong fundraising model that enhances the student athlete experience.

Implementing Phoenix Rising is just as important as the vision itself. Strawley emphasized that successful execution will require engaging student athletes, coaches, and the wider campus community. “We need to bring this vision to life,” she noted.

Engagement is crucial. Strawley aims to connect with various groups, including students and alumni. By fostering partnerships with organizations like Student Life and the Student Government Association, she believes that Elon Athletics can enhance its strategies effectively.

“Intentional engagement can propel us forward,” she added. After taking her role in July 2023, Strawley gathered feedback from various stakeholders to shape the Phoenix Rising plan. “I listened and made sure diverse voices were part of this process,” she said.

The landscape of college athletics is continually changing. Therefore, Phoenix Rising positions Elon to be innovative and respond to these shifts. Strawley emphasized, “We must adapt; we can’t remain static in a dynamic world.”

### Recent Trends
According to a recent NCAA report, colleges are increasingly investing in mental health resources for student-athletes, highlighting a growing recognition of their well-being. Engaging student feedback shows that more athletes prioritize mental health support alongside athletic success.

Overall, with its clear goals and commitment to engaging the community, Phoenix Rising aims to transform Elon Athletics into a more competitive and inclusive program. By focusing on student engagement, systematic growth, and adapting to changes, Elon is poised for a promising future in college sports.



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