The Sophian

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Maggie Mertens

Lynn Oberbillig's career spans many successful projects and a hands-on commitment to women's athletics. It would be an understatement to describe her as an indispensable athletic administrator on our campus;. Recently, she has been named chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Management Council.

This prestigious position oversees decisions on college sports nationwide. Oberbillig currently serves as the vice chair of the Management Council. "I am honored to be appointed to this position," Oberbillig said. "It's humbling to think that I will be at the top of the NCAA food chain trying to represent Smith in a fashion that we can all be proud of."

The Division III Management Council reviews all suggestions from the NCAA Committees including championships, strategic planning and finance, committee on women's athletics, competitive safeguards, Olympic liaisons, Minority Opportunities, Nominating, Membership, etc. They also sponsor legislation at the annual convention for voting on by the entire division, 440 plus schools all of which have one vote. The largest division, it is still expected to expand to 500 members in the next ten years.

She has served as Smith's Director of Athletics since 1993. Her work in the Exercise and Sports Studies (ESS) Department includes teaching in the graduate program with courses such as sport management and research colloquium(s). She also instructs students in badminton and, occasionally, golf. In the past, Oberbillig has sponsored clinics, the Nationals Girls and Women's Sports clinics, promoting the benefits of physical fitness - a resource for over 2,000 girls from third through sixth grade all through Massachusetts. For a decade, she also coached softball and basketball at Division I Nicholls State University.

Her work has not gone unrecognized. In early January, Oberbillig received the annual "Heights Award." The award, presented by the Massachusetts State Lottery, honors those who have helped the advancement and development of women's sports, as well as inspire them. State Treasurer Tim Cahhill, Lottery Chairman, said, "Ms. Oberbillig is a longtime teacher, coach and organizer of women's sports in Western Massachusetts. Her efforts reflect the Lottery's commitment to helping improve our cities and towns."

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