Sports Illustrated featured Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour in its list of the “most powerful, most influential, and most outstanding women in sports right now” Tuesday.

Barbour is one of five female athletic directors at Power Five schools, joining Jennifer Cohen (The University of Washington), Heather Lyke (Pitt), Carla Williams (Virginia), and Candice Storey Lee (Vanderbilt).

The percentage of female athletic directors has increased from 19% in 2009 to 24% in 2019, according to an annual report from Women Leaders in College Sports. However, most female athletic directors are in the Division II and III levels, which sets Barbour and the rest of this elite group of women apart.

The complete list, titled “The Unrelenting”, celebrates game-changing women who speak out, set the bar, and make a difference. The group of women varies greatly between coaches to athletes, broadcasters, and executives.

Other notable inclusions on “The Unrelenting” are tennis legend Billie Jean King, World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe, and ESPN analyst and broadcaster Doris Burke.

About the Author

Katie Braun

Katie is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism from "just outside of Philly" like every other Penn Stater. Her only trait is being a huge fan of both the Sixers and Eagles. Unfortunately, lots of frustration comes along with that. Share your tears with her on Twitter @katiebraunn or Instagram @katiebraunn

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