Spartan Sports
Sonja Stills: Trailblazer in the Making
NSUxTides
From Page 13
NSU access to its indoor facilities and batting cages.
The Tides organization aims to provide resources and opportunities to all NSU students who may be interested in sports-related careers. Tides general manager Joe Gregory explained that the organization plans to offer internships and career opportunities in all its departments.
“Working in sports isn't just the game on the field,” Gregory said. “You can have an accounting degree and be the business manager, or we have the food and beverage side of things, or maybe it's the merchandising side of things … it’s all the aspects around the game of baseball. So, we hope to be able to get more Norfolk State students involved with the team as well.”
The renewal of the annual exhibition game between NSU and the Tides organization may offer both parties the chance to explore their partnership and build the foundation for another long-lasting tradition.
By Markaysha Bryant
Sonja Stills made history as the first female commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I.
Before working for the conference, Stills received her bachelor's degree in human services counseling from Old Dominion University and her master's degree in counseling from Hampton University.
She became Hampton University's Coordinator of Athletic Academic Support. Stills created the university's first athletic academic support program and implemented the CHAMPS/Life Skills program. She provided academic advising and counseling to student-athletes until her transition to the MEAC, serving as Director of Compliance in 2002. She also served as the chief of staff/chief operating officer in January 2021.
"I never asked for a raise or promotion; they just came. I focused on doing the work," Stills said.
Stills described her challenge in Esports, where she served as the director. Esports is a billion-dollar industry, and became a conference initiative so the MEAC could become an HBCU esports conference. The MEAC has a community board with individuals from each school represented in the conference. While serving as board members, student representatives is tasked with helping them advertise on social media.
"We got into conference play for the first time in the fall, and we're in the middle of getting ready to play this spring … our hope is that as institutions continue to grow, they will start academic programs in Esports. The MEAC wants to be that pipeline of minorities into the gaming industry," Stills said.
Stills said she’ll never forget the morning of her interview with all eight presidents. It felt surreal until it was time for her to get ready.
"I'm in the mirror; I have my music going, I have my Lizzo playing … because she's my spirit animal. I have Mary J Blige, Jill Scott, Kelly Clarkson, empowerment music.”
She went into her interview optimistic and confident. Her duties as commissioner began on January 1, 2022. She worked in athletics for 24 years and the MEAC for 20 years. Though she is now a commissioner, becoming one was not her original plan.
"I never set out to be a commissioner; it was not where I intended to be, but I feel like God has set me on my path, so I let go and let God," Stills said.
Keeping her faith top of mind, Stills shared what she enjoyed most about her job.
"My favorite part of my job is looking at my leadership staff as they grow, as I push them forward, like a proud mom, as they are presenting and doing other things. Ensuring my staff is succeeding and growing is very important to me."
She also spoke about people labeling her a trailblazer, "I feel like I haven't done the work yet, I haven't put in my time … but I'm starting to see the opportunities that I can give other women by being in my position. I might be the first female commissioner, but I shouldn't be the last.”
While maintaining her busy schedule, Stills is sure to incorporate self-care rituals, including watching TV comedies on streaming services, hanging out with friends, and attending day parties.
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"Do the work"
"Building relationships is essential"
"Have good work
ethic"
"Learn the culture"
Advice from
Sonja Stills