Caroline Ripley Named Director of Operations for MESA Foundation
Focused on Elevating NIL Opportunities for San Diego State University Student-Athletes
San Diego, CA - MESA Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Caroline Ripley as its new Director of Operations, leveraging her extensive experience and dedication to San Diego State University (SDSU) to further advance MESA’s mission of empowering student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Ripley joins MESA Foundation from SDSU, where she held various roles within the Athletics Department since January 2019. With a profound commitment to SDSU's growth and development, Ripley's impact has been felt across multiple initiatives, notably during the Aztec Club's fundraising efforts and the historic 2023 men's basketball national championship run. A San Diego native and seasoned Aztec basketball enthusiast, Ripley brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the community. Her academic background in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, coupled with a master's degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco, equips her with a comprehensive understanding of both athletic administration and organizational leadership.
"We are thrilled to welcome Caroline Ripley to the MESA family," said Jeff Smith, President and Founder of MESA Foundation. "Caroline's exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to San Diego State University make her the perfect fit for our organization. Her move comes at a critical time in this fast-changing world of NIL and its impact on college athletics and speaks volumes to the need to prioritize support for Aztec basketball and NIL through MESA. With her expertise, we are confident in our ability to elevate MESA's impact and further empower student-athletes and at the same time build the strongest base of NIL support in the country."
As Director of Operations, Ripley will spearhead MESA's efforts to connect Aztec student-athletes with local nonprofits, providing them with invaluable opportunities to leverage their NIL for social good. Through partnerships with the San Diego community and Aztec Nation, MESA aims to create a robust platform that not only supports student-athletes financially but also fosters meaningful engagement and philanthropy. "I am honored to join MESA Foundation and continue my journey of serving SDSU and our student athletes," said Ripley. "Through MESA's innovative approach to NIL, we have an incredible opportunity to make an impact in the lives of our athletes while strengthening our ties within the community. This decision is about directing my efforts and passion for the Aztecs in this new frontier of college athletics in order to maximize the impact on our basketball teams and San Diego State University as a whole. I look forward to contributing to MESA's mission by mentoring and empowering the next generation of Aztec student athletes."
"Caroline has been an integral part of Aztec Athletics over the past five years and is a rising star in college athletics," said JD Wicker, Athletic Director at SDSU. “I’m happy she will continue to be associated with the Aztecs as she begins a new opportunity with the MESA Foundation. MESA plays an integral role in the success of our basketball programs and Caroline will certainly be an asset to the Foundation.” Ripley's appointment marks a significant milestone in MESA's ongoing commitment to championing NIL opportunities for SDSU student-athletes, and reinforcing its position as a catalyst for positive change in the San Diego community.
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About MESA Foundation
MESA (Mentoring and Empowering Student Athletes) Foundation, is a non-profit organization that focuses on building relationships between Aztec student-athletes and the San Diego community through Name, Image and Likeness activities. MESA is the official NIL sponsor of San Diego State University Basketball.
