From VCSU Athletics

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUAthletics.com) – Valley City State University director for athletics Jill DeVries will step down from her position this summer, VCSU president Alan LaFave announced Wednesday.

DeVries, who is currently in her fifth season as the director for athletics, will finish out the 2021-22 athletics season before resigning her position to take a job in the private sector.

“I wish to thank Jill for her outstanding dedication and service to VCSU athletics,” said LaFave. “She worked tirelessly to advance the quality and collegiate experience for hundreds of student-athletes during her tenure. She guided the athletic department through the difficulties of COVID-19 with minimal disruption. She helped shape a championship culture at VCSU and developed the department’s mission to engage, educate, and elevate the student-athlete experience. Her collegial and collaborative style consistently placed student success at the forefront of decision-making, and we will miss her leadership on campus and in the community. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

DeVries was named the first female athletic director in school history on Aug. 17, 2017, taking charge of the development, administration, vision and leadership of the men’s and women’s athletic programs at VCSU. She was recognized by her peers as the North Star Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year in 2019.

Over the last two years, DeVries has played a key role in the organization and launch of VCSU’s first ever capital campaign, which when completed will include an expansion and renovation of VCSU’s athletic facilities. She also led the athletic department through the numerous challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic the past two years.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been the Athletic Director at VCSU,” said DeVries. “I appreciate the passionate coaching staff and many colleagues that make VCSU a positive experience for our dedicated student-athletes. I would also like to thank our alumni and fans for supporting our department throughout my tenure at VCSU. So many have shaped my life and I am proud to be forever a Viking. I’m looking forward to spending more time watching my nephews and nieces chase their dreams during the next chapter in my life.”

DeVries has spent the majority of her professional career at VCSU, joining the campus in 1999 as the head women’s basketball coach. She held that role for 17 seasons before being hired as athletic director. DeVries is the all-time winningest coach in VCSU women’s basketball history, and she was the first coach to lead the Viking women to the NAIA National Tournament – guiding her teams there four times in her last seven seasons.

Valley City State University will begin the search for the next athletic director immediately.