Congrats to Mary Ellen Leicht, who was recently named as the third executive director of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Her appointment makes her the first female chief executive of any national intercollegiate athletic association in the United States.

Leicht said being the first female appointed to the position helps break down barriers for women in college athletic and administrative ranks.

"I hope that by the time young women get to a position where they can make a choice where they can apply for a position in upper management that there is no longer a question of whether or not they're male or female.

"You have so many young girls and women looking at athletics knowing they can actually have a career beyond college athletics. Whether it's coaching or officiating or administration, I think those numbers are going to grow, and colleges on all levels will recognize the benefits of a female coach on their staff."