Former volleyball coach embraced new challenge to better serve her student-athletes and grow as a first-year athletics director
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(NOTE: This story appeared here on NCAA.org)

Heidi Jaynes wanted to add to her skill set.
 
Jaynes, a first-year athletics director and former Oklahoma volleyball student-athlete, has excelled in every role during her 26 years at Carleton College. From being a celebrated volleyball coach to her impactful tenure as an athletics administrator, she consistently inspired growth and excellence among her student-athletes and colleagues.
 
"I did not have any experience in fundraising," Jaynes said. "We were asked to just stay out of fundraising. Our development office did that, and they were highly successful. However, when I took the athletics director job, we had strategic planning happening while athletics recreation facilities were being discussed. Suddenly, I was asked, 'Do you want to be involved in some of this?'"
 
With support from her provost, Jaynes applied for the NCAA Foundations of Fundraising program. The eight-week hybrid course helped equip her with newfound confidence, critical fundraising knowledge and practical donor engagement skills. More than just an education, the program energized Jaynes, enabling her to lead the Carleton athletics department with fresh perspectives.
 
Lessons learned
 
"Most importantly, (this program) gave me confidence and a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes," Jaynes said. "It allowed me, just with some of the exercises, to seek out people on our campus and find other answers I hadn't asked before. Most importantly, I can say I have fundraising experience. I've met with donors. I've been on calls and met with our president and development office. It's phenomenal. Participating in this program has helped me do my job better."
 
With a deeper appreciation for the power — and joy — of philanthropy, Jaynes experienced a shift in perspective. Instead of framing fundraising as asking people for money, she became excited about connecting donors' goals and values to a shared purpose. Jaynes also emphasized relationships and storytelling as impactful fundraising strategies.
 
Her enthusiasm for continuous learning is palpable. "There was a huge amount of diversity in our group, and I loved that people from all over the country, different divisions, different backgrounds, all being willing to share their experiences," said Jaynes, who noted she was the oldest member of the group. "You just have not to be afraid to keep learning and asking questions. No matter where you are in your career, you can still find answers by asking and trying to get help with some of those things."
 
'Grateful for opportunities'
 
While leading an athletics department takes up much of her time, Jaynes gladly manages a busy travel schedule to support her family. This includes attending collegiate volleyball matches for her two children, who play Division I volleyball at Tennessee and Montana State. Her husband, a drummer in a band, often joins her, adding another layer to their active lifestyle.
 
"Our lives are filled with many different things," Jaynes said. "But athletics have been a part of my life since I went to college, so I haven't left athletics. I still feel grateful to go to work every day and work with student-athletes. Carleton's been a great fit for me, and the fact that I can stay here professionally for 26 years and continue to grow and learn makes me grateful. I'm grateful for the opportunities I have and the people that I get to work with every day."