The University of St. Thomas-Houston Athletic Department is excited to announce that Leslie Bennett will now assume the role of Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). In addition to her duties as the Director of Sports Medicine, Bennett will help ensure the representation of women's interests, experiences, and perspectives in the decision-making process in intercollegiate athletics at UST. She also serves on the Athletic Leadership Team that helps make decisions across Celt Athletics.

"I'm excited to further my representation in Celt Athletics for our student athletes," Leslie said. "My goal is always to allow all student athletes an avenue to voice their experiences and advocate on their behalf while expanding their voice on this campus."

Bennett's Background

Leslie Bennett joined the University of St. Thomas as Head Athletic Trainer in August of 2016. In the fall of 2020, Bennett was promoted to Director of Sports Medicine. As such, she oversees all sports and specifically covers men's and women's soccer, swimming, softball, tennis, and golf. In her role, she is responsible for the evaluation of injuries, overseeing treatment and rehabilitation, coordination of physician care, and contributing to the injury prevention and education of our student athlete population. She also serves as a clinical preceptor for the University of Houston Master’s of Athletic Training Program.

Bennett earned a B.S. in Athletic Training from Texas State University in May 2009. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Team as an Outreach Athletic Trainer. Bennett is a nationally certified Athletic Trainer and a licensed Athletic Trainer in the state of Texas.

She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

“Leslie has become a pivotal part of UST Athletics. Our growth and success would not be possible without her contributions and leadership over the last few years,” Athletic Director Todd Smith added. “Our student athletes and coaches look to her for guidance and mentorship as often as they do medical help. She has been part of our Athletic Leadership Team, providing guidance and influence since her arrival. Stepping into the Senior Woman Administrator position will be a continuation of many of the things Leslie already provides for our department and student athletes.”

About the NCAA & SWA

The Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) is the highest-ranking woman in the athletics department. The SWA is not the senior "women's" administrator, nor is the role intended to be restricted to the individual supervising of women's sports. The SWA can fill any job duties in the athletic department – business manager, facilities, compliance, academics, sport supervision, etc. The SWA should be a member of the athletics department's senior management team. She should be provided with the appropriate time, resources, and title to fulfill her administrative responsibilities. If the Director of Athletics (AD) is a woman, she can designate another woman in the department to serve in the role of SWA.