Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG), America’s premier youth sports and entertainment facility, announces transformational sports executive Meg Stevens as President. Ms. Stevens arrives at AAG after eleven years at Averett University (AU) where, as Vice President, she was Director of Athletics and Campus Operations. Ms. Stevens led AU to unprecedented athletic and academic success, enhanced the student-athlete experience, spearheaded significant capital improvements, and bolstered the university’s regional and national profiles. Currently serving as Board President for Women Leaders in Sports, Stevens’ hiring signifies AAG’s continued commitment to “Girls First,” its trailblazing initiative prioritizing girl’s and women’s athletics.
“Meg’s national reputation as a visionary, proven operator, and impactful leader makes her a natural fit to drive AAG’s next phase of growth,” said Chad Brownstein, Chairman of AAG.
“AAG is positioned to maximize its potential,” said Mike Burke, newly appointed Vice Chairman of AAG. “After an exhaustive talent search that spanned professional teams, university and media network executives, it became abundantly clear Meg is the best person to execute our vision.”
Stevens led Averett through an historic period of growth, expanding AU’s athletic offerings to 24 teams that produced 16 conference titles, more than 300 all-conference selections and 31 All-Americans. In addition to overseeing sports marketing and communications, and managing the construction and renovation of several of AU’s indoor and outdoor facilities, Stevens bolstered Averett’s brand visibility through local and regional sponsorships and national leadership roles with the NCAA and Women Leaders. Stevens also juggled an array of broader responsibilities at Averett, supervising dining services, campus events and facilities, and the university bookstore. In 2020, Women Leaders named Stevens its Division III Administrator of the Year; the following year, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) recognized Stevens as one of the nation’s top athletics directors.
“This new life chapter is so exciting because, at my core, I’m a builder,” Stevens said. “Everything I’ve done in my career has primed me to ensure AAG is a world-class facility and leader in the youth sports marketplace, and as a former college athlete and coach, part of my purpose will be ensuring a welcoming, inclusive experience for everyone, especially, the girls visiting our campus.”
Prior to her time at Averett, Stevens served as Assistant Athletics Director at Buffalo State University (2009-13) and spent 11 seasons as the Bengals’ women’s lacrosse coach, twice receiving Conference Coach of the Year honors. As a player at Cortland State, Stevens helped the Red Dragons to three consecutive NCAA Lacrosse Tournaments.
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