Sarah Wiard

Sarah joined the University of Memphis staff in August 2026 as Associate Director,  Athletic Advising for Football. Her responsibilities include advising football student-athletes on the defensive side of the ball, monitoring academic progress and NCAA eligibility, assisting with course and major selection, and supporting student-athletes as they work toward degree completion. 

Prior to joining the University of Memphis, Sarah served as an Academic Coordinator for Football at NC State University, where she advised incoming freshmen and the defensive backs. She previously served as Associate Director for Academic Services at Grambling State University, and Student-Athlete Success Coordinator at Louisiana Tech University. Sarah began her career in athletics academics as a Student-Athlete Academic Support Services Graduate Assistant at Canisius University. 

A native of San Dimas, California, Sarah earned a Bachelor of General Studies in Political Science and American Studies, with minors in Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, from the University of Kansas. While at Kansas, she served as a student manager for the women’s volleyball program. She also earned a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Canisius University and a Graduate Certificate in Sociology from Appalachian State University. 

Favorite quote: “The mamba mentality simply means trying to be the best version of yourself. That's what the mentality means. It means every day, you’re trying to become better. It’s a constant quest; it’s an infinite quest” -Kobe Bryant