HAYWARD, Calif. — Cal State East Bay Athletics would like to recognize former Director of Athletics Debby DeAngelis for her selection as a 2026 recipient of the Women Leaders in Sports Nike Lifetime Achievement Award.

DeAngelis will be honored at the 2026 Women Leaders in Sports National Convention, scheduled for October 12–14 in Chicago. The Nike Lifetime Achievement Award highlights professionals who have dedicated their careers to advancing women in sports and providing outstanding leadership throughout the athletics industry.

DeAngelis served as Cal State East Bay's Director of Athletics from 2001 to 2013, overseeing a 15-sport NCAA Division II program. During her tenure, she guided the department through its transition from NAIA and NCAA Division III competition to NCAA Division II membership.

She was the first woman to serve as Director of Athletics at Cal State Hayward/East Bay. She helped shape the department through a period of significant institutional and competitive growth. Her responsibilities included supervising coaches and staff, overseeing budgets and compliance, managing facilities and events, and strengthening the overall student-athlete experience.

DeAngelis earned several professional honors during her time at East Bay, including the 2007 NAIA Region II Athletic Director of the Year Award, the 2008 AstroTurf NAIA Athletic Director of the Year Award, and the 2008 NACWAA Administrator of the Year Award.

Her impact also extends beyond East Bay and collegiate athletics. DeAngelis held leadership roles in rowing, including serving as an assistant manager for the 1976 and 1980 United States Women's Olympic Rowing teams. She also served as an international rowing umpire at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games.