NKU Will start the offseason off with a massive overhaul. Sources indicated to Sansom Sports Media last week that Christina Roybal would not be returning when her contract expired on May 30, 2026. Today, the university has confirmed that news with the below statement from NKU President Dr. Cady Short-Thompson:
“NKU Vice President and Director of Athletics Christina Roybal has chosen not to seek a contract extension and will conclude her service to NKU on May 30. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her well.
Roybal has been an impactful leader for our Athletics program. During her tenure, she oversaw major milestones, including the first-ever Horizon League Tournament Championships in softball and baseball, a men’s basketball championship, and most recently a women’s volleyball regular season title. She also expanded our athletic offerings with six new programs and presided over record-setting academic achievement, including a 92% graduation success rate among student-athletes.
We will immediately begin a national search for our next Vice President and Director of Athletics. NKU Athletics has tremendous momentum, and I am confident we will find a great leader to build on it.”
I am unable to confirm what Roybal’s next steps are at this time, just that they are “other opportunities”
I would like to point out that Christina helped take this athletics department to new heights, and helped elevate them to the top of the Horizon League, not only in mens basketball, but all around athletics for the Norse. She’s leaving it in a much better place than she found it. Six new athletic programs, and personal awards from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) highlight her tenure, in addition to the above accomplishments mentioned by the university.
NKU will conduct a national search for their next AD led by CFO and Vice President Chris Calvert. While there is no official timeline, this hire comes at a pivotal time for the Norse as they navigate the ever-changing waters of the NCAA landscape at this time.
Here’s a couple of things I’m looking for in a new AD:
- Revenue innovation and fundraising – NKU is at a crossroads of sorts, and needs someone who understands how to get the needed funds to keep the Norse as one of the premier sports teams in the Horizon League
- NIL & Transfer Portal Fluency – The Norse have to bring someone in who knows the portal and knows how to get teams into a successful position amongst peers
- Continued focus on community engagement and student-athletes – College sports are at a crossroads, especially in basketball. Players are closer to professional than amature like they used to be. A new AD must be able to navigate these waters, while maintaining the exceptional graduation rate set by previous regimes.
Sansom Sports Media/Valhalla Voice will continue to provide coverage on this as the process plays out and concrete information is available. While I understand it is fun to speculate, I want to be right, more than I want to be first. I appreciate your patience!
