YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College Director of Athletics Jennifer Rushton has released The Purple Standard, which is the five-year strategic plan for the Mountain Lions through 2028.

"We are excited to announce a new strategic plan for YHC Athletics," said Rushton. "This five-year plan closely aligns with the newly created strategic plan of the College and provides us with clear goals as we move into the future of Mountain Lion Athletics. As we transition to Conference Carolinas, we felt this was the perfect time to do a self-study and create a plan that allows us to be successful in all facets while providing an overall experience to develop the holistic student-athlete."

The strategic plan identifies the department's mission and vision as well as and has determined five priorities and core values for the department.

The department's mission and vision target the student-athlete experience and the overall development of student leadership and success.

The five core values are sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, adaptability and competitiveness.

The five priorities for the department over the next five years are student-athlete success; financial performance; diversity, equity and inclusion; facility enhancement; and community and alumni engagement.

To view the strategic plan, click here.

Rushton also announced the promotions of two staff members - Anna Claire Knight and Jared Sandler.

"I am excited to announce these well-deserved promotions," said Rushton.  "Both are key players on our Athletics Leadership Team and have gone above and beyond in their primary duties. In a time where college athletics continues to evolve, each has taken on additional responsibilities that ensure that our department offers the best possible services for our coaches and student-athletes." 

Knight, who begins her third year with the Mountain Lions, has been promoted to Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance. Knight, who is also the department's senior woman administrator, handles all compliance issues for the Mountain Lions and serves as the advisor to the YHC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Knight will also have sport oversight of men's and women's golf, softball, men's soccer and women's lacrosse.

Sandler, who begins his 10th year as head athletic trainer for the Mountain Lions, has been promoted to Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine. Sandler oversees a staff of five athletic trainers that treat and care for the department's 360 student-athletes.

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