CLEVELAND – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics has announced Berry College Athletic Director Angel Mason as one of four winners of the Division III Athletic Director of the Year Award.
The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses, and their surrounding communities. The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges).
Mason has led Berry Viking athletics since 2019, emphasizing people development, student experience, and the pursuit of competitive excellence in the classroom and in play. In these years, the Vikings have had enviable success in conference championships, conference coach of the year recognitions, top 35 rankings of varsity athletics, and NCAA post-season appearances.
Berry President Stephen Briggs relies on Mason for her integrity, passion, and resilience and noted, "athletic directors must be adept at working with and across many campus constituencies – athletes, coaches, parents, family, donors, faculty and more. Angel reads the field well and knows how to make the most of opportunities."
Kathy Insel Brown, Head Women's Soccer Coach, describes Mason as "a courageous leader who is fearless in the wake of adversity. She has supported the women's soccer program with great intentionality both when we were thriving and when we were struggling. She challenges us to seek solutions to our problems and understands what it is like to be a coach and player."
Swim and Dive Coach Astrid Escobar adds, "Dr. Mason has an unparalleled blend of keen insight and a deep commitment to every facet of athletic programming. Her track record of elevating athletic departments to new heights, coupled with her genuine care for each program and student, showcases her as a leader of both heart and mind."
Mason joins Jennifer Baker (Johns Hopkins University), Drew Galbraith (Trinity College), and Kristen Hughes (Smith College) as the Division III Athletic Director of the Year honorees.
The Athletic Director award is in its 26th year and has recognized a total of 584 deserving athletics directors to date.
