Terlynn Olds
Terlynn “T.O.” Olds, M.S., is a nationally respected leader in collegiate athletics whose transformative impact spans over two decades and all three NCAA divisions. With a career defined by trailblazing achievements, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete empowerment, she continues to raise the bar in sports administration.
Currently serving as Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Operations at Washington & Lee University, Olds is known for her operational excellence, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership style. Her historic journey began in 1998 when she became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach on an NCAA men’s basketball staff. This groundbreaking position allowed her to build a 15-year coaching career across all levels of college athletics, including a return to her alma mater, Saint Leo University (DII), as head women’s basketball coach.
Olds transitioned into athletic administration in 2013, becoming the Director of Athletics at Chatham University (DIII), where she led transformational efforts in program development and departmental growth. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Athletic Director at Spelman College(DIII), where her leadership helped guide the department through its final competitive years. She went on to hold senior-level positions as Senior Associate Athletic Director at Chicago State University (DI), Deputy Director of Athletics at Grambling State University (DI), and Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (DI/DII). Most recently, she led 17 NCAA Division III programs as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation at LaGrange College.
A proud two-time graduate of Saint Leo University, Olds earned her B.A. in Sport Business and M.S. in Criminal Justice, and completed her M.S. in Sports Coaching from the United States Sports Academy. In 2024, she was inducted into the Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame as both a Player and a Coach, honoring her dual legacy of excellence on the court and in leadership.
Currently pursuing a doctorate in Sports Leadership, Olds is widely respected for her expertise in facilities operations, compliance, budget management, and advocacy for the well-being of student-athletes.
Whether building programs, mentoring future leaders, or reshaping the athletic landscape, Terlynn Olds brings bold vision, unmatched dedication, and the kind of influence that inspires lasting change.
• Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certification
• Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certificate
• NCAA/NACWAA Institute of Administrative Advancement
• Advisor/Univ. of North Georgia/Mike Cottrell College of Business-Women in Leadership Program
• 2025 Inductee/National Society of Leadership and Success
• Saint Leo University - BA
• United States Sports University - Master of Sport Science
• Saint Leo University - MS
• Concordia University Chicago - EdD
• Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing the unknown and refusing to be limited by what hasn’t been done. I focus on creating my own path with confidence, never apologizing for my purpose or explaining away my vision.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my first boss, who told me, “If you’re going to last in this business as a woman, never let them see you cry—because it will be hard, and your feelings will get hurt.” That advice taught me early on to lead with resilience, strength, and unwavering purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is straightforward: never let fear hold you back from pursuing greatness. Growth often begins where comfort ends, so take the leap—you belong in every room you step into.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge for women of color in this field is prioritizing their own well‑being while giving their all to the students and communities they serve. An exciting opportunity lies in creating spaces and systems—such as this next chapter at W&L—that truly support and honor self-care as essential to both professional and personal growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are my health, my faith, and my family. These pillars keep me grounded, focused, and aligned with my purpose.