She may be new to Retriever Nation, but it seems like Tiffany D. Tucker won’t have any problem as UMBC’s leader of the pack. Addressing a crowd of student-athletes, administrators, coaches, and staff, at a press conference on Monday, Tucker, UMBC’s newly-appointed director of athletics, physical education, and recreation, made a promise to uphold the values that have become synonymous with the UMBC community.

“As we take this journey together, let’s embrace the Retriever spirit—tenacious, innovative, always punching above our weight class. Together, we will write the next chapter of UMBC’s athletic legacy,” she said.

When Tucker was announced as UMBC’s sixth athletics director (AD) last week, she began laying the groundwork to leave a lasting legacy of her own. When she officially starts on August 15, she’ll be the first woman and person of color to lead the university’s athletics program. 

“This isn’t just about making history, it’s about creating a new standard where diversity in leadership is the norm, not the exception,” said Tucker.

Seeing the whole student

Tucker joins UMBC from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she has served as deputy athletics director since August 2021. Her appointment follows a nationwide search, during which she emerged as a highly-experienced and accomplished athletics administrator. 

“Tiffany’s experience and growing leadership roles would make her a great fit for many AD positions at D1 schools. But let me tell you why she is especially perfect for us,” President Valerie Sheares Ashby said at the press conference. “Here, student-athletes can participate in a Division I program while also reaching the highest levels of academic achievement. Here, we have a diverse student body that excels academically across all subjects. We believe there is no excellence without inclusion, and to be truly inclusive, we know we need to create an environment where everyone can thrive.” 

Tucker knows the mindset of an athlete firsthand. She was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This experience allows her to understand the unique rigors of performing both academically and athletically. This also means that Tucker knows the value of seeing students as more than just who they are on the field, court, or track. 

“As we nurture our student-athletes, we will focus on their holistic development—not just as competitors, but as scholars, leaders, and engaged citizens,” she said. 

“Our program is in good hands”

Tucker will join an athletics program that has won dozens of America East titles, individual and team honors, and coaching awards. This past academic year, 12 UMBC athletic programs posted perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores in the NCAA Academic Progress Rate Report. Implemented in 2003 as part of an ambitious academic reform effort in Division I, APR holds institutions accountable for the educational progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.

This past season, UMBC volleyball secured their fourth-straight America East championship and returned to the NCAA tournament. Volleyball head coach Kasey Crider looks forward to Tucker taking charge.

“The last couple of months have been tough, without a doubt. To be on the other side of the transition with a leader of Tiffany’s caliber is a big deal,” Crider said. “Our department has demonstrated its resolve and character, and now with her vision and guidance, it feels like we’re on the brink of something pretty special.”

Just one of the over two dozen student-athletes bedecked in black and gold at Monday’s press conference, volleyball player Aysia Miller ’24, biological sciences, echoed Crider’s excitement.

 “Tiffany’s innovative approach and mindset give me hope that our program is in good hands,” said Miller. “As a student-athlete, it is refreshing to hear someone care so much about our well-being and success.”

Tucker made it clear that students will be her priority when she takes the helm in August. She closed yesterday’s press conference by directly addressing the student-athletes in the room.

“You are the heart and soul of UMBC athletics. Your well-being—physical, mental, and emotional—are paramount. I’m here to support you, challenge you, and celebrate you.”