A former Wheaton College Women's Basketball player, Athletics Director Julie Schmela Davis ’91 now oversees the day-to-day operations of the Wheaton College Athletics Department. “The mission of the Athletics Department is to foster the development of Christian faith, character, and leadership in Wheaton College student-athletes,” says Julie. “Beyond my day-to-day role, my goal is to make sure all Wheaton coaches have the tools they need to impact our student-athletes’ lives.”

The Athletics Department is the student-athlete’s community and connection to the College, and often the doorway to a spiritual journey, too. That was the case for Julie, who considers herself the beneficiary of a transformational relationship with her basketball coach at Wheaton, Beth McKinney Baker ’77. “Beth has an amazing personal testimony that she lived out in front of us,” says Julie. “She modeled walking through whatever the Lord calls you to walk through, and she did so in an authentic way.”

Julie says her experience as a student-athlete at Wheaton shaped who she is today personally, spiritually, and professionally. The example shown by Coach Baker informed Julie’s life as a Christian and a coach. Julie’s goal now is to empower coaches in the vital work they do, both before and after the whistle.

“Wheaton College coaches and student-athletes are always ready to rise to the occasion and make strides for Christ and his kingdom,” says Julie.