PUMA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR NAMED 2023-24 NACDA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Puma Athletic Director Christina Hundley was recoginized as one of the 2023-24 Athletic Directors of the Year by The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 59th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., at the beginning of the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 11, starting at 4 p.m.

 

The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.

 

"NACDA is honored to continue the tradition of the Athletics Director of the Year Award and recognize a new class of individuals for 2023-24," said Pat Manak, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. "As an Association it is part of our mission to develop tomorrow's leaders led by today's decision makers, which is why it is so fitting that 21 of the 28 recipients of the ADOY award this year are first-time winners. We are proud to play a small role in growing the pipeline of athletics directors making an impact throughout the industry."

 

The ADOY Award program is in its 26th year and has recognized a total of 584 deserving athletics directors to date.

 

Christina Hundley became PVCC's third Athletics Director in October 2015.  She joined the PVCC Athletics Department in June 2008.  Prior to becoming the Athletics Director, she served as the Assistant Athletics Director/Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services.  During her tenure she was also the Interim Athletics Director for a period in 2014.

Christina currently serves in multiple capacities both locally and nationally. Her positions include: Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) President, NJCAA Region 1 Men's Assistant Director, National Association Two Year College Athletics Administrators (NATYCAA) Vice President, NJCAA DII Men's Soccer Committee, NJCAA DII Baseball Committee, NJCAA Track & Field and Cross Country Committee.  Christina also served as the MCCCD District Athletics Council Chair in 2020-21 & 2021-22.

Christina grew up in San Francisco, CA and came to Arizona in August 1996.  She attended Arizona State University where she studied Journalism and Public Relations at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications.  While attending ASU, Christina worked for Sun Devil Athletics in the Sports Information Department where she cut her teeth on the intercollegiate athletics industry.  During her tenure with the ASU Athletics Department, in addition to her day-to-day involvement with all sport programs, Christina was involved with numerous high profile events (1997 Rose Bowl, 1997 Sun Bowl and 1999 NCAA West Regional Basketball Tournament).  Her experience in ASU Athletics allowed her the opportunity to work with such national media entities as:  ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX Sports Net, Associated Press and Sports Ticker. 

After graduating from ASU, Christina pursued her career in professional sports.  She has spent time with the San Francisco Giants, Phoenix Mercury, Phoenix Suns and the Harlem Globetrotters.  Her experience spans operations, player personnel, communications and public relations, corporate sponsorship and marketing.  She most recently volunteered her time with the ASU Athletics Department at the Final Four in April 2017, working with national and local media entities and personnel. 

Christina is involved with The Pat Tillman Foundation and its annual fundraiser in Tempe, AZ Pat's Run.  She helped start Pat's Run in 2005 and has assisted in the event's growth from 5,000 participants to its current participation level of 30,000+.  To date, Pat's Run has raised in excess of $22 million.  Over 750 Tillman Scholars, Military veterans and spouses who strive to make a significant impact for our country and communities through their studies in medicine, business, government, education and the arts, have been awarded scholarships supported by funding.

Christina earned her Master's in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University in August 2013.  She is an avid San Francisco Giants and Sun Devils fan.

Congratulations Christina!