Sarah Jane Sports was inspired by my great grandmother, Sarah Jane Henry. Grandma Jane, as we affectionately refer to her, was born in 1861. She was a mother of 12 children and wanting a better life for her children, Grandma Jane ensured all 12 could read and write. This was no small feat in the late 1800s/early 1900s when African Americans were denied even the most basic accommodations. Nevertheless, Grandma Jane (along with Grandpa Marion) persevered, passing along to their children a drive to pursue education, excellence and integrity.
I’m Carolayne Henry and it is the drive, determination and perseverance of my Grandma Jane, I will put into Sarah Jane Sports. I have spent over 30 years working in college athletics. First at the NCAA and then 25 years at the Mountain West Conference. I have extensive experience in NCAA rules compliance, enforcement and investigative processes, membership, governance and conference realignment. I also thrive in new and innovative spaces, having spearheaded collegiate esports competitions and initiatives. I have vast leadership experience which includes serving as president (2009-2010) of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWA), currently Women Leaders in Sports, former chair (2012-2014) of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and former chair (2002-2005) of the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. I currently serve as chair of the Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA) and I’m a member of the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Lab (SMRTL) Board of Directors.
I am a graduate of the University of Michigan (where I played women’s basketball) and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. I am licensed to practice law in the state of Pennsylvania.
I hope my expertise and leadership qualities lead you to consider Sarah Jane Sports for your athletics needs. I look forward to working with you!