Associate Director of Athletics, Nancy Bals, on the Evolution of Athletic Departments

Nancy Bals, Associate Director of Athletics for Business and Operations, started her career at Westfield State University as a recruiting coordinator in 1996. Now as an associate director, Bals oversees “day to day operations”, and helps implement some of the programs we see in our athletic department.

For example, Bals discussed Title IX, and how the law saw its 50th anniversary in 2022. “That’s pretty cool,” she said about it. “I remember the impact it had when I played. Back then, there was still an issue of fairness.”

Title IX is a federal civil rights law which prohibits the discrimination of student athletes based on sex. “In athletics, it takes the whole team to make sure that we’re gender equitable. It’s everyone’s responsibility. It doesn’t just fall to the University, or to me, or to the Director of Athletics. It’s everyone’s job to speak up and make sure things are fair.”

Bals also described recent accomplishments made by the University’s student athletes. This fall, she said, Bridgette McAndrews, Delaney Parker, Jaida Cochran, and Tia Tollis at Westfield State were named players of the year at the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic (MASCAC) Conference for volleyball and soccer. Additionally, both the women’s soccer and field hockey teams finished second in their leagues, while the cross country and volleyball teams finished in first place. 

“Our women’s sports are really successful here. We’re all proud of those successes. I’m proud we’ve had program expansion that reflects developing interest and abilities. I think our teams demonstrate our commitment.”

Bals also discussed the CHAMPS Life Skills Program, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s first program to require athletic departments to educate students not just coach them. Academic excellence, career development, personal development, and community service are the pillars of the program, rather than a sole emphasis on physical excellence. The program has been renamed Student-Athlete Affairs, though the mission of the  Life Skills program remains and the skills are being taught in athletic departments across the country. 

Additional skills such as interpersonal collaboration and personal accountability are prioritized as well, Bals said, due to those being important skills in life beyond graduation. “We’ve spent quite a few years focusing on leadership, but we’re also doing much more. These are life skills. Our coaches are all great life coaches. These are the things you’re going to take with you.” 

With mental health being highlighted in recent years, the University’s athletic department provide resources for the athletes, such as a partnership with Springfield College’s athletic counselors. As graduate students, these counselors are available for one-on-one and group team sessions. “The emphasis has changed over the years,” Bals added. “We also focus on nutrition, since nutrition is tied into anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues."

For Bals, she finds connection when athletic departments and their student athletes come together in harmony. “We are Westfield,” she said. “It moves me every time I hear it. The idea of a team and the bonds that you create is huge. It’s that community aspect. That’s what we want the student athletes to feel. Your dedication and hard work are impacting a greater good. Every alumni that played your sport, every student that went here, we are Westfield!”