WISE – The University of Virginia's College at Wise announced the promotion of Erik Lemley to Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and head women's volleyball coach Kristen Salyer as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) effective immediately. Lemley previously served over two years as the Coordinator of Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development while most recently managing interim compliance duties as well.
"I am excited to announce these promotions for Erik and Kristen. They both embody a strong passion for UVA Wise and our students as well as NCAA Division II," stated Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey. "They have an appreciation for the history of Highland Cavalier athletics and a keen understanding of the vision we work toward everyday."
A 2006 graduate of UVA Wise, Lemley returned to the college in 2008 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for UVA Wise baseball until 2017 when he was named the Coordinator of Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development. While a student at the college, Lemley was a four-year letterman for the UVA Wise baseball program.
In his role as the Coordinator of Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development, he oversaw academic progress for over 250 student-athletes encompassing thirteen varsity sports while providing programming to ensure the personal development of each student-athlete. Within his duties, he also served as the athletics department liaison to the academic programs, financial aid office, admissions office, registrars office and academic advising and retention office. As well, Lemley teaches at the college as an adjunct physical education and freshman seminar instructor.
Prior to his return to UVA Wise, Lemley spent one year as a hitting coach and three seasons as the head coach and pitching coach for the Aldie Senators of the Valley Baseball League in Aldie, Virginia. With the Senators, Lemley managed practices and personnel decisions for the team. He was the assistant coach and catching instructor for the Mid-Atlantic Mets in Chantilly, Virginia, from 2008 to 2010 where he assisted with mechanic and skill development as well as the recruiting process.
Lemley spent two years at Notre Dame Catholic Academy in Middleburg, Virginia where he worked as the assistant baseball coach from 2006-2007 before becoming the head baseball coach from 2007-2008. During his first season with the program, the team posted a 32-4 record en route to becoming the VISBA state champions. While at the academy, his workload included planning workout schedules and study halls for players as well as working closely with administration to ensure the eligibility of student-athletes.
"As Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations, Erik's primary focus will be NCAA and SAC compliance. He will also serve as the liaison for financial aid and admissions," added Dr. Rainey.
Lemley recently received his masters degree in sports administration from Arkansas State University and also holds a bachelors degree in history from UVA Wise. He and his wife, Amanda (UVA Wise '09), along with their two children, Delilah (5) and Scarlett (2), reside in nearby Norton, Virginia.
Salyer, a 2010 graduate of UVA Wise, is currently the head women's volleyball coach. Outside of her coaching duties, Salyer has served on various committees, attended and participated in numerous campus and community events, and also attended the NCAA Division II Identity Workshop in 2018.
"As Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), Coach Salyer will advise SAAC, lead gender equity and inclusion and life skill and wellness programming initiatives, assist with academic services, and oversee special events," commented Dr. Rainey.
Salyer served briefly as the interim head coach for the Cavaliers before the tag was removed and she was elevated to the head coaching position in 2012. A member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and Art of Coaching Volleyball, she earned UVA Wise Athletics Coach of the Year honors in 2015.
After graduating from UVA Wise, Salyer came on staff as the assistant volleyball coach where her duties included being the primary recruiting coordinator, evaluating film for scouting and skill development, and handling the day-to-day operations of the volleyball program. In 2009 Salyer was a student assistant coach for the volleyball program where she helped with practice and game preparation, fundraising and camps.
Salyer was a standout student-athlete at the college as a member of the UVA Wise volleyball team. She played for the Cavaliers from 2005-2008, earning All-Appalachian Athletic Conference second team and Region XII All-Tournament team honors in her final season with the Cavs. As a player, she aided UVA Wise to a NAIA national tournament appearance in 2007 while also working as an assistant coach for the Southwest Virginia Elite Club.
Salyer received her bachelors degree from UVA Wise in health and physical education and is currently pursuing her masters degree in sports administration from Arkansas State University.
"Both will continue to play a key part in our student-athletes' successes academically and with our community involvement," remarked Dr. Rainey. "With his enthusiasm and constant desire to learn, Erik will be great at anything he pursues. With unmatched competitiveness and compassion, Kristen is perfect for this role. I couldn't be more proud of Kristen and Erik and am extremely grateful to work with them."
