TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The first female to lead the Florida State Athletic Department has a history in Garnet and Gold.
Vanessa Fuchs came to Tallahassee from Pompano Beach, FL in the Fall of 1997 on a women's basketball scholarship. Though a reserve for most of her career (she only started four games), Fuchs' role as a team-leader was evidenced by her selection as co-captain her senior year in 2000-2001.
That leadership will be put to the test in the coming months, as Florida State President Dr. Eric Barron named Fuchs Interim Athletics Director on June 5th, replacing Randy Spetman.
"Randy's been a great supporter and resource already," says Fuchs, "and he's reached out a number of times to myself and our staff. Can't thank him enough for his support, and we'll continue to use him as a resource in this time."
Among 124 Division I FBS level schools, Fuchs is one of just seven females leading an athletics department. With the school year recently coming to a close, her immediate task is to prepare for 2013-2014.
"We're really shifting gears in full-sprint to prepare for the new academic year and our new Seminoles that are joining Florida State Athletics in a couple months. We just want to make a tremendous impact and impression on them in their first few days, weeks, (and) months here."
Fuchs has plenty of experience in athletic administration, with seven years working for the NCAA in Indianapolis, two at Florida State as associate athletic director for compliance, and one more as Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator.
"My hope for Florida State Athletics is that we are known around the country as the premier athletics department in Division I, and that comes with continuing to win and win national championships, continuing to set the standard academically also, and how we serve others and serve the community."
