BALTIMORE, Md. – The Notre Dame of Maryland University Department of Athletics announced today that current Assistant Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, Cheri Johns will now also serve as the department's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).

The SWA is a position that was developed by the NCAA in 1981 "to ensure women were involved in the male-dominated administration of college athletics."  Notre Dame has always had the distinction of SWA within the athletics department, assigned generally to an Associate or Assistant Athletic Director.  The SWA's are often involved in senior level decisions and have the added benefit of being able to serve on various NCAA committees. 

In her time at Notre Dame, Johns has served in many roles for the Gators.  First joining the front office staff, Johns was named the Head Softball Coach and Office Manager in summer 2014.  In 2016, she was later promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, while continuing her coaching duties.

In 2020, Johns will enter her sixth season as Head Coach for the NDMU softball program.  She is the longest serving coach in the program's 11-year history.  In 2019, the Gators tied a program record, posting 10 wins in the season, while three student-athletes were named to Colonial States Athletic Conference postseason teams.

Athletic Director, Renee Bostic said, "I'm excited to have Cheri take on an additional role for our team.  Were happy to have her serve a larger role for us at the conference and national level."

To learn more about the history of the Senior Woman Administrator role, visiting ncaa.org.