SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word Athletic Director Richard Duran has announced the hiring of DaShena Stevens as UIW's assistant Athletic director/business and finance. Stevens' hire also rounds out the Cardinal Senior Staff.
 
In addition to leading the Athletics business office, Stevens will be the sport administrator for UIW's fencing and spirit programs. She will also be the department's liaison to the UIW Human Resources Department and Information Technology Department.
 
"I am fired up to welcome DaShena to the UIW community and to our Senior Staff," said Duran. "When looking for the next assistant AD of business and finance for our department, I wanted a strong leader with an appreciation for the student-athlete experience, a proven accounting background, and a commitment to the greater good. Most importantly, though, I wanted someone who would live by the UIW Mission and values. I believe we found this person in DaShena. I'm looking forward to having her on campus as she supports our efforts in building champions in the classroom, community and competition."
 
"I am thrilled to be joining the University of the Incarnate Word's athletic department," said Stevens. "I want to thank Richard and the UIW leadership team for giving me the opportunity to serve as assistant Athletic Director/business and finance. Not only is this an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of my passions –business, finance, and athletics – but it also allows me to be part of a University that has a mission and values that align with my own. I believe in Richard's vision and I am looking forward to being part of the Cardinal family!"
 
Stevens comes to UIW following two years at the University of North Carolina where she was the business services coordinator for athletics. In that position, Stevens assisted in the preparation, administration and monitoring of an annual budget of $110 million. She also audited and processed various forms of payment including travel reimbursements, expense reports, and purchasing card charges for the department via the University's accounting system.
 
Stevens worked closely with the men's and women's basketball programs, the football program and other departments in athletics to ensure journal entries were completed and processed accurately. Additionally, she handled the independent contractors process for volleyball, men's soccer, men's basketball and tennis, while also managing the Aramark contract and reconciling revenue commission totaling $1.3 million.
 
Prior to UNC, Stevens was an assistant women's basketball coach from 2015-18 at her alma mater, St. John's. She finished her career as one of the most decorated players in St. John's history after scoring 1,515 points and grabbing 815 rebounds. Stevens was inducted into the St. John's University Hall of Fame in 2020. As an assistant coach, Stevens helped guide the Red Storm to a Big East championship.
 
Before joining the coaching ranks at St. John's, Stevens was the director of business and finance at Wagner College from 2014-15. While at Wagner, she helped monitor an annual athletics budget of more than $16 million, supported coaches and directors in budget planning and management by providing weekly and monthly financial reporting, and prepared and conducted the EADA and NCAA surveys for the department.
 
Additionally, Stevens reported all recruiting and operating expenses, guarantees, ticket sales and additional revenue for the annual audit. She also served as the liaison between the college business office, human resources and information technology departments for processing paperwork.
 
Following her playing days at St. John's (2008-12), Stevens played professionally for BCF Elfic Fribourg Basket – Ligue Nationale de Basketball (Switzerland-LNA) in Fribourg, Switzerland. She then worked as an accounts payable associate at Glencore LTD (2013) and an assurance associate at McGladrey, LLP (2014).
 
Stevens was a leadership coach for the Student-Athlete Leadership Academy and was selected as a MOAA Rising Star participant.
 
Stevens holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from St. John's, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2012. She earned a Master of Science in athletic administration from North Carolina Central in December 2020. Stevens has a daughter, Aria Burrell.
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Walt Hameline
Director of Athletics, Wagner College
"Congratulations to DaShena on her new role at UIW. DaShena was great in her time at Wagner. She brought phenomenal energy to the office and was as reliable as they come. She knows what it takes to be successful and she will step-in right away and build relationships within the campus. It was an advantage to have someone in our department who was such a successful collegiate athlete, and I have no doubts she will be a great fit for the Cardinals." 
 
Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree
Director of Athletics, North Carolina Central University
"All of my interactions with DaShena have proven energizing. She is a dynamic, bright young professional in whom I have the utmost confidence. Her passion for athletic administration shines through in all she does – most notably the initiative and how intentional she is in seeking mentorship to develop herself professionally. I was thrilled to learn that she's accepted a position at UIW. I look forward to watching her leverage her vast experiences to make a major impact for student-athletes at UIW."
 
Kathy Meehan
Senior Deputy Athletics Director/Senior Women's Administrator, St. John's University
"I am beyond proud of DaShena as she takes the next step in her career as the Assistant AD for Business and Finance at UIW. Dating back to her days as a student-athlete, she has always exemplified the meaning of hard work. It has been such an honor to watch her grow from a player to an assistant coach, and now an administrator. DaShena is not only one of the most decorated players to walk the halls at St. John's, but she is an outstanding person. She is truly an exceptional mother and role model. I have watched DaShena succeed in every position she has taken on, and I know that will be no different at UIW. Her St. John's family and I wish her the best of luck!"
 
Martina Ballen
Senior Associate Athletic Director, Human Resources & Chief Financial Officer, University of North Carolina
"I am so excited for this opportunity for DaShena. Her depth of experience, knowledge and commitment to excellence will be an asset for UIW. She has been a great addition to our Athletics Business Office staff, bringing her accounting knowledge, but also her perspective as a former student-athlete and assistant coach. She was able to provide insight to discussions that few could offer. DaShena is always professional and prepared and is able to adjust quickly to changing issues or a shift in priorities. DaShena is committed to whatever she takes on and has strengthened our team immensely. She is the epitome of a team player and is respected by all. She will truly be missed at North Carolina."