DANVILLE, Va. — Ariyanna Mason was hired in June 2022 as Averett University's coordinator of events, operations and student-athlete development within athletics.

Mason came to Averett from the Gulf South Conference, where she served as the sports services coordinator from September 2021 until June 2022. While at the Gulf South Conference, Mason assisted with general administration, championships and student-athlete development.

"I am thrilled about being selected for the coordinator of events, operations, and student-athlete development position at Averett University," Mason said. "I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to learn and continue developing my skills and knowledge in college athletics. Through my search for jobs, finding a positive work environment with values that align with my own has remained a priority, and I truly feel that this is the opportunity I've been looking for. This position not only fits well with my skill set, but also allows growth and supports a passion of mine — student-athlete communities." 

Mason's role is a newly created position through the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minorities and Women's Internship Grant, which Averett was selected to receive.

"We are excited to welcome Ariyanna to our family thanks to this wonderful opportunity for a young professional that we can provide through the NCAA grant," said Meg Stevens, vice president, director of athletics and campus operations. "Ariyanna's desire to expand her experience in the intercollegiate sports industry is evident and she's looking forward to working directly with student-athletes on campus after working at a conference office."

Prior to her time at the Gulf South, she was a marketing intern/coordinator for i9 Sports in Gulfport, Mississippi, from January 2021 until August 2021. She also worked as the director of adult sports at Playmakers Indoor Sports in Covington, Louisiana, for more than a year.

A native of Lorman, Mississippi, Mason earned her bachelor's degree in sport management from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in sport administration from the University of Louisville.
 
"We are so excited to have Ariyanna on board as our coordinator of operations, events and student-athlete development," said Emma Olsson, Averett athletics program coordinator. "She brings great energy, ideas and experience after serving as the sport services coordinator in the Gulf South Conference. This opportunity would not be possible without the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship grant and I am certain Ariyanna is the right person to help us reach the next level for student-athlete experience."