AMERICUS, Ga. -- Georgia Southwestern State University Director of Athletics Mike Leeder has elevated Assistant Director of Athletics Caitlin Downs' responsibilities to include serving as the department's Senior Woman Administrator.

"Caitlin has done an outstanding job connecting with all of constituents that connect with GSW athletics," Leeder said. "I am looking forward to working with her as she adds this important designation to her responsibilities."

Downs was hired in February as GSW's assistant director of athletics. She has been responsible for coordinating all of the GSW external functions including the Canes 360 booster club, corporate partnership program, the President's Classic Golf Tournament, the annual Hail Storm event, Category 5 Wellness Program and she coordinates all of the GSW athletics community engagement opportunities.

"I am honored to serve as the Senior Woman Administrator for GSW Athletics and will strive to be a female role model to our student-athletes," Downs said. "I look forward to being a part of the SWA Council for the Peach Belt Conference and to represent GSW in decision-making to positively impact all athletes within the Conference."

Downs will serve in a role that has led to professional development and career advancement for each of the last four senior women administrators at GSW. Most recently, Signe Coombs became the Director of Athletics at Truman State University. In 2023, Dr. Nicole Levering was named the Director of Athletics at Georgia Highlands College. Christie Ward, JD was hired in 2022 as the Deputy Director of Athletics at Catawba College and Jaclyn Donovan was the Director of Athletics at GSW from 2008-13.

"Each of our former SWA's have moved on and help shape intercollegiate athletics in a positive manner at their institutions as their careers have evolved," Leeder said. "We expect Caitlin to have a similar impact for our Hurricane family."