Bio

Muskingum University has announced that Director of Athletics Kari Winters ('08, '10G) has been elevated to Associate Vice President for Athletics.

Since assuming leadership in March 2022 as Muskingum's first full-time female Director of Athletics, Winters has guided the department through a period of exceptional growth, momentum, and competitive success across both NCAA and non-NCAA programs. During her tenure, Muskingum's teams have continued to elevate their performance across the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and beyond, while the department has expanded staffing resources, completed key facility improvements, strengthened its brand presence, hired the University's first-ever dedicated Strength and Conditioning staff, added a Student-Athlete Well-Being Coordinator, and launched the Athletics Day of Giving, now one of the department's most impactful annual initiatives.

Prior to being named director of athletics, Winters served as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) and Compliance Director since 2019 and head softball coach since 2011. In her role as SWA, Winters represented Muskingum at OAC league meetings and provided leadership in student-athlete and staff development. She also helped develop, implement, coordinate, and administer NCAA, OAC, and Muskingum compliance initiatives.

As Muskingum head softball coach, she guided the Muskies to two OAC Regular-Season Championships, one OAC Tournament title, and one NCAA Regional appearance. She was twice named OAC Coach of the Year. During her tenure, numerous Muskingum student-athletes were recognized on the field and in the classroom with All-OAC, All-Central Region, and All-American accolades.

"Kari Winters' promotion to Associate Vice President for Athletics recognizes her exceptional leadership and the critical role she plays on the senior leadership team," said Muskingum President Dr. Susan Hasseler. "This title change more accurately reflects the scope of her responsibilities and the impact of her work. Our athletics program and our institution have greatly benefited from Kari's committed and competent leadership, and I am grateful for her continued service." 

During her collegiate tenure at Muskingum, Winters, a standout catcher, powered the Muskies to an average of 40 wins per season and a .875 winning percentage in OAC play. She ended her stellar career as a two-time NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-American, two-time OAC Player of the Year, and four-time first-team all-league honoree. She helped lead the nationally-ranked Muskies to four OAC Championships, three NCAA Regional Championships, and three NCAA Division III World Series appearances.

Winters graduated from Muskingum in 2008 with a B.A. in health/physical education. She completed her M.A.E. in adult education from Muskingum in 2010. Winters married Dominick Winters in 2013, and the couple resides in New Concord with their son, Reid, daughter, Kallie, son, Carter, and daughter Remi.