Boise State Athletics
Boise State's Christina Van Tol Receives Mountain West's Highest Service Honor
6/30/2026 1:08:00 PM | General, Broncos United
Dr. Albert C. Yates Distinguished Service Award recognizes decades of selfless leadership and lasting impact on student-athletes
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics Senior Associate Athletic Director Christina Van Tol has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Mountain West Dr. Albert C. Yates Distinguished Service Award, one of the Conference's highest honors recognizing exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing intercollegiate athletics.
Presented to individuals whose work has made a profound and lasting impact on the Conference, only 17 recipients have earned the distinction in the Mountain West's 27-year history. Van Tol became the first representative from Boise State to receive the award.
"Christina has dedicated her career to serving others with humility, purpose, and unwavering integrity," said Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey. "She doesn't seek recognition; she seeks opportunities to make people better. Whether advocating for student-athletes, mentoring colleagues, or helping shape the future of college athletics, Christina consistently puts others first. Her leadership has elevated Boise State, strengthened the Mountain West, and positively impacted countless lives. I am grateful for Christina and she is extremely deserving of this honor as it is a reflection of who she is and how she serves every single day."
Van Tol serves as Boise State's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), overseeing academics, Bronco Life student-athlete development, sports performance, and health and wellness. She also serves as the department's liaison to campus counseling, student affairs, institutional compliance, and the Gender Equity Center, while providing sport oversight for women's basketball.
Now in her second tenure with the Broncos, Van Tol has devoted nearly two decades of leadership to Boise State, helping build nationally respected programs that prioritize the holistic development and well-being of student-athletes.
While her impact has transformed Boise State, her influence extends far beyond campus.
As a longtime leader among the Mountain West's Senior Woman Administrators, Van Tol has become a trusted voice, mentor, and innovator, helping shape conference-wide initiatives centered on student-athlete wellness, leadership development, and best practices.
"As a member of the Mountain West SWA leadership, Christina served an integral role in maintaining consistency and integrity in every process," said San Diego State Deputy Athletic Director, People & Culture/SWA Jenny Bramer. "Her greatest contribution was transforming the Conference's emphasis on student-athlete well-being. She challenged all of us to think differently by sharing Boise State's innovative approach to mental health and wellness. Every institution became better because of her willingness to serve and share. Her impact on the Mountain West is immeasurable, and the student-athletes whose lives have been improved because of her work will never fully know the difference she made."
Van Tol's servant leadership has also shaped the next generation of administrators throughout the Conference.
"As a young administrator trying to figure things out, I reached out to Christina and instantly found a mentor," said Wyoming Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations/SWA Taylor Stuemky. "She has never hesitated to share ideas, connect people, or help others succeed. Because of her generosity, Boise State's leadership in areas like BroncoBOLD, Bronco Life, and Broncos United have influenced programs across our conference. She has impacted thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and staff members, and I know without question I would not be in my role today without her mentorship and friendship."
Van Tol's career has been defined not by accolades, but by a steadfast commitment to lifting others. Her leadership has helped shape conference policy, elevate student-athlete support systems, and create opportunities that will continue benefiting future generations throughout the Mountain West.
Before returning to Boise State, Van Tol served as assistant athletic director and Senior Woman Administrator overseeing compliance and student services at the University of Portland from 2003-08, director of athletic development at Treasure Valley Community College from 1996-98, and academic coordinator at Gonzaga University from 1992-96.
A graduate of Gonzaga University, Van Tol earned a bachelor's degree in public relations in 1993 and a master's degree in physical education and athletic administration in 1995.
Named in honor of the former Colorado State University president, the award is bestowed upon an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the Mountain West or a member institution; an individual who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the student-athletes enrolled at any member institution.
Past Winners
2024-25:Â Brackley Frayer, UNLV
2023-24:Â Carolayne Henry, Mountain West
2021-22:Â Janice Ruggiero, New Mexico; Lawrence Fan, San José State
2017-18:Â Dr. Jim Francis, Colorado State
2013-14:Â Marti Gasser, Air Force; Breda Bova, New Mexico
2012-13:Â Sally Roush, San Diego State
2010-11:Â Dr. Stephen Weber, San Diego State
2007-08:Â Barbara Burke, Wyoming
2006-07:Â Marsha Smeltzer, Colorado State; Larry Gerlach, Utah
2005-06:Â Rudy Davalos, New Mexico
2004-05:Â Elaine Michaelis, BYU
2000-01:Â LaVell Edwards, BYU
1999-00:Â Linda Estes, New Mexico
Note: Award may not be presented annually.
