As Jessica Chapin, Class of 2010, marks her first year as the Director of Athletics at her alma mater, she reflected on a journey filled with opportunities to listen, learn, and envision the future of Brandeis Athletics. After an All-American career for the women's basketball team, highlighted by University Athletic Association Player of the Year honors as a senior, Chapin went on to a successful career as an administrator at Division II American International College. Her tenure at AIC included a top-20 finish in the Learfield Cup standings, a measure of the success of an entire athletic department's teams in competition for an academic year. After a decade of leadership with the Yellow Jackets, Chapin's transition has come full circle, with a return to Brandeis Athletics that has been both eye-opening and exciting.

A Year of Listening, Learning, and Laying the Foundation
Chapin's first year at the helm of Brandeis Athletics was almost like a fact-finding mission. "It was a great opportunity for me to get fully immersed, listen, learn, and gather insights," she shares. "I thought I knew certain things, but I quickly realized there's so much more to learn and understand."

A central part of her strategy has been connecting directly with student-athletes. In her first year, Chapin met with a broad spectrum of student-athletes from across classes and sports, engaging in one-on-one conversations to better understand their experiences and gather feedback. These interactions have been pivotal in helping her identify areas for improvement, especially when it comes to their daily routines, facility access, and overall support systems.

"I really wanted to hear their perspectives, the good, the bad, and the ugly," Chapin says. "It's not just about competing in a sport—it's about their whole experience, and how we can improve it for the next generation of student-athletes."

Chapin has also spent time regularly meeting with internal staff, working on adjustments, and understanding the department's needs, all while formulating a clear vision for the future of Brandeis Athletics. 

A Commitment to Investment
Returning to Brandeis was a homecoming of sorts for Chapin, who was a two-time All-American for the women's basketball team, leading the Judges to the Regional Finals as a sophomore. 
Chapin underscores that, while the athletic program at Brandeis has been successful, more consistent financial support is needed to maintain and enhance the department. "As costs continue to rise, we're going to have to get out there and fundraise. We need to generate revenue to supplement our budget," she explains. "The university isn't able to fund every single thing that we want to do on its own, so we have to find a way to make it happen."

Chapin is also quick to point out that while challenges exist, her overall experience at Brandeis has been overwhelmingly positive. "One of the biggest things I've loved is the culture of empowerment here," she reflects. "People are trusted to do their jobs, and there's a real emphasis on providing resources for success."

Favorite Moments and Milestones
Though the first year has been filled with challenges, Chapin year has been filled with moments that made the experience truly rewarding. One of the highlights was her ongoing conversations with student-athletes. "There's nothing better than just hearing their thoughts—no strings attached. It's really about understanding what they want out of their experience here and how we can make that happen."

She recalls how those conversations reignited her sense of purpose. "It reminds me why I'm here every day—it's for them, to create a great environment for them to grow both as athletes and as individuals."

In addition to the individual meetings, Chapin highlights the success of the department's Giving Day in the spring, which far exceeded previous fundraising totals. This success was a direct reflection of collaborative spirit of its staff. "It was a departmental effort that really brought us together," she says. "The excitement and engagement were palpable, and it laid the foundation for future fundraising and alumni engagement efforts."

Another cherished moment occurred during a staff meeting, when Chapin noticed the camaraderie and open dialogue among her colleagues. "I remember a staff meeting where we were just chatting, and I thought to myself, 'This is the culture we want.' I didn't need to get up and start the meeting; the team was already in the right place."

Building a Stronger Brandeis Athletics
As Chapin looks ahead, she's focused on laying the groundwork for the future of Brandeis Athletics. One key initiative is the development of a new, more unified "game plan" for the department. "We've already revamped our mission, vision, and core values, and we plan to unveil them later this year," she shares. "This will give us a roadmap for decision-making and define who we are as a department."

One of Chapin's top priorities is the much-needed revitalization of the softball field—a project long-awaited by the team and alumni. "Putting a shovel in the ground for that new softball facility will be a huge milestone," she says. "It's going to be a premier facility, not just for Brandeis but for New England. And we want to make sure that the alumni who have supported this program feel the investment."

Additionally, Chapin is eager to rekindle the Brandeis Athletics brand, including revisiting the school's beloved mascot, Ollie the Owl. "I think there's a real opportunity to reinvigorate Ollie and build campus pride. It's part of our rebranding, and it's something that will strengthen our connection with alumni, students, faculty, and staff," she says.

Looking to the Future
As she looks to the future, Chapin remains committed to growing Brandeis Athletics not just in terms of facilities and funding, but in the ways the department connects with alumni. "I want to continue developing relationships with our alumni. Whether that's through giving back their time, talent, or treasure, I want them to feel connected to Brandeis Athletics," she says. "I welcome any alum to reach out to me directly. I'm always open for a conversation."

As her first year comes to a close, Chapin's vision for Brandeis Athletics is becoming clearer: a department that thrives not only on the field but in the hearts of the broader Brandeis community. With her experience, commitment, and personal connection to Brandeis, Chapin is poised to lead the department into a new era of growth and success.