General | 12/22/2020 10:59:01 AM
Deanna Hand joined the Houghton Highlanders staff as Head Athletic Trainer in 2002 and in 2012, was appointed the first Senior Woman Administrator for the Houghton College Athletic Department. Hand also oversees the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, is Deputy Title IX Coordinator and is a member of Houghton’s Athletic Advisory Board. She is also chair of the Empire 8 Sports Medicine Chairperson.
Hand earned her bachelor's degree in 1998 from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in Sports & Recreation Management with a specialization in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. In 2000, she earned her master’s degree from the University of West Florida in Health, Leisure & Sports with a concentration in Exercise Science. Prior to joining the Highlanders, she worked for the Olean Medical Group as a Certified Athletic Trainer serving area high schools and the Olean campus of Jamestown Community College.
Deanna Hand - Today's Leaders
Coach/Administrator Name: Deanna Hand, M.S., L.A.T., A.T.C.
School: Houghton College
Title: Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine & Administration/Senior Woman Administrator & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Year at Current Institution: 19th Season
College Attended/Class Year: University of Pittsburgh at Bradford '98 (undergraduate), University of West Florida '00 (graduate)
Playing Career (if any, collegiately or professionally): Inaugural Softball Team - University of Pittsburgh at Bradford – 1995
Favorite Professional Team: Buffalo Sabres
Favorite Professional Athlete: Rob Ray
Favorite Movie: A League of Their Own
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Not one show, but it is “Hallmark Season”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Any flavor that is Lactose Free
Recent Community Service Projects Your Teams or Departments Have Worked On:
Annual Houghton Nursing Home Christmas Gift Ministry
How Does The Empire 8 Stand Out Among Other Conferences:
In my opinion, the Empire 8 stands out among other conferences by the way they consider the whole student-athlete experience. Most, if not all, decisions made at the conference level, revolve around how things will affect the student-athlete. The Empire 8 is, first and foremost, focused on growing the student-athlete academically, then athletically and offers several leadership opportunities to our athletes through the conference’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time as a Player in College (if applicable):
Although I was part of the Inaugural Softball program at Pitt-Bradford, we never had the opportunity to play due to weather and a very limited schedule. I recall that while on what was supposed to be our first road trip in Ohio, my new teammates and I were getting everything ready to go while it was snowing like crazy. We were soon informed the games were cancelled, but that didn’t stop our enthusiasm for wanting to play. So, we dressed in our new uniforms and went out and practiced the sport that we each loved so much.
Favorite Memory as a Coach/Administrator at Your Current Institution:
My favorite memory is when Houghton was approved and then transitioned from the NAIA to being an NCAA DIII institution. During this transition, the college was able to add sports and provide new facilities with the construction of the Kerr-Pegula Field House. Working with the colleges administrative team in helping develop and plan the new space alongside the architects, contractors, and the Pegula’s themselves, was something I will always remember and appreciate.
Who Was Your Biggest Mentor and Why:
I have had several mentors throughout my life. My parents showing me how hard work pays off in my formative years. The Head Athletic Trainer at Pitt-Bradford who inspired me to go into Athletic Training. But my most recent and biggest mentor would have to be Skip Lord. Coach Lord hired me 19 years ago as a seasonal Athletic Trainer for camps and the following year, offered me the position of Head Athletic Trainer. Throughout my time at Houghton, "Coach” supported my goals, encouraged my career development and inspired me to pursue a path into athletic administration. He was able to see my potential and guide me in my role as a Servant-Leader. I am so very thankful for his mentoring, but more so, the friendship we formed and will always cherish that the most.
Most Rewarding Aspect of Being a Coach/Administrator
The ability to be a role model in the lives of young adults. One of my administrative duties is being the Advisor to the Houghton Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In this position, I get to work with some of the most talented and highly respected student-athletes on campus. Sharing my knowledge and experiences in leadership with them and how their decisions affect the student body, not to mention their fellow student-athletes, gives me confidence that when they graduate, they will be prepared to make other life lasting decisions.
What Have You Learned About Yourself as a Leader and In Your Role:
It is important to think “outside the box” and realize there are several factors that play into a decision. The answers or guidelines are not always clear, but you need to use the information you have to make the most appropriate decisions for the good of the whole group.
What Type of Leader Are You:
I would consider myself a “Servant Leader”. One who will take on the task to help someone, rather than delegate it to someone else. This may be because of my background as a medical professional, which by nature, is to serve others before self.
What Are Some Positive Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic You Have Experienced?
Obviously, the one major positive of the Covid-19 Pandemic was the extra time that I was able to spend with family. Anyone that works in athletics knows how chaotic work schedules can be in normal times. Being my son’s senior year in high school, I was able to be home with him and help him understand that many rights-of-passages during his senior year where not going to be possible. I was also able to assist my son and daughter with the need to embrace remote learning. Realistically, my husband and kids kept me from going stir-crazy with the lack of socialization that I had become accustomed to in the college world and with extended family.
How Have You Had to Adjust as a Coach or Administrator to the Pandemic?
For the past 9 months, I have backed away a bit from my daily Athletic Training duties, to focus on the administrative tasks associated with Covid-19 and the pandemic. I, along with many others throughout our campus and the league, have worked tirelessly on policies, procedures and guidelines for both Houghton and the Empire 8, many of which other leagues have adopted. I also worked with League officials on researching COVID Testing options for our partner institutions.
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You:
I was the Interim Head Softball Coach at Houghton for two weeks in the Spring of 2013.
Advice for First-Year Student-Athletes:
Interact with your professors on a face-to-face basis and don’t wait until it’s too late to let them know you need help. If you are having problems of any kind, reach out to your coaches. Each of them only wants what’s in your best interest and will do whatever they can, within the established rules, to help you fulfill your dreams.
Advice for Graduating Student-Athletes:
Cherish the time you have had as a student-athlete and the relationships you have built with your classmates, teammates, professors, coaches and the community. Life is all about those connections and how they have helped formulate your relationships both personally and professionally. You never know when you may need to call on someone from your past!
The Empire 8 Conference's “Today’s Leaders Compete Here” Series features a coach or administrator from one of its member institutions who exemplifies leadership.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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