Marshall University Athletics
HERd Leadership Circle Unites Women of Excellence Within Marshall Athletics
2/3/2026 2:58:00 PM | General
New signature women’s leadership and donor network creates mentorship, elevation opportunities for Marshall student-athletes
HERd Leadership Circle Website | HERd Leadership Circle Video | Be HER event | Support Women's Athletics at Marshall
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics is proud to announce the creation of the HERd Leadership Circle – a new women's empowerment group that brings together student-athlete leaders from women's sports with women community leaders.
"The HERd Leadership Circle embraces every aspect of the Herd Mentality – from 'Honoring the Journey' through the pursuit of one's fullest potential to 'Dedicating yourself to Others' by investing in the community to build bonds that further everyone's service and support for Marshall University and beyond," said Gerald J. Harrison, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics. "I am so excited to have our student-athlete leaders in women's athletics as part of this elite group with such a special group of women supporters in the community who have elevated our women's programs through their dedication of time and resources to Marshall. Together, these two groups – the student-athletes and the community leaders – will forge together to accomplish great things for Marshall women's athletics. Groups like the HERd Leadership Circle are what make every day a great day to Run With The Herd!"
This Circle builds the bridge to success for the student-athletes' time at Marshall while also giving them the resources and contacts to utilize the knowledge gained at Marshall University to continue their leadership and servitude once their playing time with the Herd is complete.
"Through the HERd Leadership Circle initiative, mentorship is not incidental – it's intentional," said Beth L. Hammers, M.B.A., Chief Engagement Officer for Marshall Health Network and Vice Dean for Administration at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. "Marshall Health Network is proud to support and participate in this initiative by investing early in young leaders and connecting them with mentors who believe in their potential. These relationships help young women build confidence, clarify their goals and move forward with purpose as they begin their career journeys.
This announcement of the HERd Leadership Circle comes in correlation with Marshall's celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 4.
"This is bigger than a single event; it's a Circle of support," said Niesha Campbell, Marshall's Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator. "The HERd Leadership Circle connects women student-athletes with alumni, community leaders and supporters through leadership development, mentorship and professional networking. We're building a lasting community that strengthens Marshall women's athletics and creates opportunities for women to lead and excel well beyond graduation."
As part of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the HERd Leadership Circle will be honored during a timeout of Wednesday night's 7 p.m. Men's Basketball contest against Southern Miss. For tickets to that game, click HERE.
Marshall Athletics will also celebrate the "Week of HERd: A Celebration of Women in Sports" from Feb. 12-14, starting with the Feb. 12 home Women's Basketball game at 6 p.m. against Georgia State.
On Feb. 13, Marshall Athletics is hosting 'Be Her' - an unforgettable night highlighting the power and inspiration of women in sports at 6 p.m. in the Dutch Miller Deck at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
'Be Her' features keynote speaker Brooke Brzozowske, the founder of Up Until Now Coaching. Brzozowske is a military veteran, as well as a leadership and strategic communication coach who brings nearly 20 years of experience helping leaders show up with clarity, confidence and authenticity to Marshall's empowering event that celebrates women's excellence in sports. Click HERE to purchase tickets to 'Be Her'.
The following morning, the 27th annual Sweetheart Clinic, presented by Marshall Health Network, takes place from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the Chris Cline Indoor Athletic Complex with nine different stations for girls ages 4 to 12 to learn from Marshall's women's sports coaches and select student-athletes. This event is one of the annual staples on the Marshall Athletics calendar.
Following that event, Sweetheart Clinic patrons will head over to Cam Henderson Center for a pizza party prior to the 1 p.m. Women's Basketball game against Arkansas State, which wraps up the "Week of HERd".
To learn more about the HERd Leadership Circle's mission, click HERE. To hear testimonials on the impact of women in sports, click HERE.
To help support the future of Women's Sports with Marshall Athletics, click HERE.
HERd Leadership Circle – Advisory Board
Alys Smith
Beth L. "Buffy" Hammers
Sheanna Spence
Niesha Campbell
Laura Glaude
Linda Holmes
Tammy Hugh
Michele Sparks
Taylor Strickland Chambers
Kylie Fisher
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
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