Women in Sport: A Fight Worth Fighting
By Jordan Beasley
Reflecting on the progress and growth we’ve made as a nation in many areas over time, one of America’s most noteworthy advancements have come in the form of women’s rights and equitable opportunity.
From Title IX to the signing of Proclamation 5606, which first introduced National Girls and Women in Sports Day, there have been significant steps taken in the fight for women’s rights and equity in the workplace. That fight, however, is ongoing, and education can be a powerful tool to facilitate change.
First recognized by President Ronald Reagan on Feb. 4, 1987, the 29th anniversary of National Girls and Women in Sports Day will take place on Feb. 7. Created to honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her work toward equality, NGWSD recognizes athletes, coaches, administrators and lawmakers who have tirelessly committed themselves to providing equitable access and opportunity to girls and women in sports.
Going beyond the playing surface, it’s no secret women are underrepresented in sports in the areas coaching, administration and media, to name a few. In what is a predominately male-dominated field, Boise State Athletics has excelled in providing ample opportunity for women to achieve their professional goals, matriculate up in the hierarchy and leave their mark in the sports world.
Boise State’s athletics department is comprised of 182 full-time staff, with 58 being women. To dive further, nearly 40 percent of the Broncos’ 17-person senior staff are women, including two who are on are the leadership team serving under Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey.
While speaking with influential women throughout the department, there were two common themes: Dickey’s vision and Christina Van Tol’s impact.
Dickey has implemented a “What’s Next?” moniker, and in his four years at the university, he has established a realistic and attainable vision, set reachable goals, been a forward thinker and provided space and latitude for all to grow. Van Tol, who is Boise State’s senior associate athletic director, student athlete services and senior woman administrator, has nearly 35 years of experience in college athletics, including 27 with the Broncos.
Across nearly three decades, Van Tol has mentored, guided and served many women who’ve come through the department. She’s been described as an “incredible resource” who has positioned women to succeed in their individual careers.
With a known reputation of taking care its own, Boise State has invested heavily in employing former student-athletes to remain in the family after graduation or to come “home” and work in some of the highest positions the athletics department offers. On senior staff, there are six women who serve, and of those six, three donned the Blue and Orange.
Additionally, there are two administrators who were a student-athletes, who helped shape the fabric and rich history of Boise State Athletics. Let’s take a moment and introduce you to three of the women who are key pillars to the department’s success.
Sarah Asla: Student-Athlete Academic Advisor
An unsung hero and someone who plays a pivotal role in the success of a college student-athlete—both current and in the future—is the university’s group of academic advisors. Tasked with overseeing academic welfare, Sarah Asla helps ensure Boise State meets NCAA eligibility academic standards while supporting student-athletes as they fulfill graduation requirements and work toward their degree.
A former student-athlete herself, Asla ran track and cross country for Boise State from 2014-17. Currently, she works exclusively with the sports she once competed while also advising the football, women’s golf and gymnastics programs for the Blue and Orange.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Asla knew she had a passion and thirst for mentorship and education, but working at Boise State wasn’t a possibility she considered.
“Actually, no,” Asla said when asked if she thought she’d return to Boise State in a professional capacity. “When I graduated, I knew I wanted to work with young women and make a positive impact in the lives of young people.”
Before joining the athletic department in August 2021, Asla spent a year in the Philippines serving a nonprofit which worked with women subjected to sex trafficking. She was an English tutor and academic mentor during her time in Southeast Asia.
Asla’s passion for mentorship stems back to her days at Boise State, where she was influenced by many positive mentors who poured into her and made a difference in her personal, academic and athletic life. That appreciation is what ignited Asla to return to her alma mater.
“College is such a pivotal time in young people’s lives, especially young women. Having mentors is so important. It allows them to push toward their goals while giving them confidence to embrace who they are.”
In her professional career, Asla has worked with and been mentored by many influential people who she describes as “incredible world changers.”
“They were so passionate about fighting injustice and pouring into women and showing them what their worth is in this world. There were women that poured into me every single day and showed me how important it is for a young woman to be reminded daily what her worth is while helping her reach her goals.”
While still early in her career, Asla has made sizeable strides and is thankful for the mentorship and reminders she received as a Boise State student-athlete. For those she mentors now, she emphasizes the importance of speaking up, being confident and fearless, using your voice and pursuing a passion.
Her parting words to all aspiring young women, and particularly those who are passionate about working in sports: “Change the world. You can be just as big of a leader and powerful voice as the man next to you.”
Heather Berry: Senior Associate Athletic Director, Athletics Personnel Services and Athletics Chief of Staff
With nearly 25 years of experience at Boise State as a student-athlete and administrator, Heather Berry has excelled at every level and now serves as the senior associate athletic director, athletics personnel services and athletics chief of staff. She leads both the human resource and business offices, and is one of five people who report directly to Dickey.
Beginning her tenure in 2001, Berry was a staple on the women’s basketball team until she completed her undergraduate degree in 2006. Shortly after graduation, Berry latched on with Boise State Athletics, earned her first full-time role in 2007 and hasn’t looked back.
Having stayed at Boise State, Berry worked her way up from sitting at the front the desk and being the first friendly face people saw, to chief of staff. With guidance and mentorship, she climbed the ranks, but her success is because of her.
“Nobody taught me how to sit [in my current] chair. A lot of it was hard work and determination. If you can find somebody that works hard and is a culture add, a lot of times, you can teach them the duties of the job.”
Spanning close to two decades as a full-time athletics staffer, Berry has seen and experienced a lot, including the influx of women on staff and in leadership roles.
“Obviously, I’ve been in the department for a long time. The number of women we had in leadership and coaching roles when I first started compared to now is night and day different. It shows women can, and are, breaking that glass ceiling.”
It’s hard to truly forecast someone being associated with an institution for 25 years, but for Berry, Boise State, “felt like the right move.” Having never visited the city, Berry showed up in the Treasure Valley sight unseen and instantly loved the place and what it had to offer.
Among Boise State’s hidden gems is Van Tol, who has played a pivotal role for Berry throughout her career. Van Tol has provided Berry and many others with the playbook of success while showing them it was possible to start and care for a family while obtaining individual and professional success.
College athletics, which is extremely fast-paced, creates cause for concern for some women who want to start a family while not sacrificing their professional career.
“How do you take care of your family, be a boss and be somebody that is really strong?”
Striking the perfect balance, Berry is grateful for the support she’s received at every stage of her career. She credits Van Tol for helping lay the foundation and Dickey for “changing the tone and giving women opportunities.”
That said, Berry knows there is more work to be done. When asked “What’s Next?” for women in sports, Berry offered the perfect answer.
“Women in sport—we’re starting to peak. We have finally opened the door. Let’s not make it a one-day thing. Let’s make it a continuation because women do awesome things. My son will learn that we are all on the same playing field.”
Today, Berry has many young women who work under her, and her goal is to be the same example Van Tol was for her as she began her career. Her advice to young girls and women is simple:
“You can do anything you put your mind to. Although tough, there is power in not letting someone tell you no.”
Not being denied and refusing to be told no, is why Berry is the standard for all to follow.
Katie Tuller Dores: Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Personnel Services
Overseeing the day-to-day human resource functions within the athletics department, Katie Tuller Dores has been a staple at Boise State for nearly nine years. Beginning her tenure in April 2016 as director of special events, Tuller Dores has climbed the ladder and is now a member of Boise State’s senior staff.
When you think HR, “catch all” is likely a phrase that comes to mind. From leading all hiring searches to random questions, Tuller Dores is a go-to and problem solver for Boise State Athletics.
A decorated gymnast, Tuller Dores spent five years as a Bronco student-athlete. Starting in 2006, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in December 2010 before enrolling in a master’s program at Long Beach State.
Reflecting on her decision to attend Boise State for undergrad, there’s one key component that confirms why Tuller Dores made the right the decision. Amid family tragedy and sudden and impactful change, Boise State provided her with exactly what she needed—support.
“I just remember the support system I had here with my academic advisor, my coaches, my teammates and Christina Van Tol. We didn’t have the same set up, so for that time, I felt very well taken care of.”
Competing in a sport where the Olympics is one of the few avenues to continue on after college, Tuller Dores quickly identified Boise State as a preferred place to build a career.
“When I was figuring out what I wanted to do, I knew I wasn’t done with athletics. In my head, I wanted to find a path that would keep me in athletics.”
The aforementioned path forward was presented and Tuller Dores took full advantage. She spent three years at Long Beach State before returning “home” where she found support as an athlete nearly two decades ago.
In here nine years at Boise State as a professional, Tuller Dores has positioned herself as an invaluable resource to Boise State. She’s proven to be a thoughtful, senior leader who gives hope to the next generation of young girls wanting to pursue and build a career in sports.
As Tuller Dores can attest, the avenue of being attached and connected to sports extends well beyond being an athlete. Finding your niche, maximizing opportunity and associating yourself with an institution that believes in you and upward mobility can be just as fulfilling as competing in a preferred sport at the next level.
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Change the world. You can be just as big of a leader and powerful voice as the man next to you.Sarah Asla