Janet Lucas, director of athletics at Pacific, recalls a time in her career when she was the only woman in another university’s athletic department.

Today, her department at Pacific has more than 30 women—coaches, administrators and staff members—in a department of 75.

She is proud to lead the change. Lucas recently sat down for an interview about the history of women in athletics, current issues in intercollegiate athletics and the outlook for Pacific’s athletic program.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, reflect on the role of sport—historically, currently and moving forward—for women.

Lucas: One of the things that makes my perspective unique is the idea that Title IX passed just as I was entering high school. So I feel like I had a front-row seat as opportunities evolved. And I think that’s very special. Title IX, which is in its 50^th year, doesn’t mention athletics, but it’s probably the most impactful law passed since the right to vote. I think it speaks volumes because Title IX is prominently known for equity of opportunity in sport. The reality is sport became the front porch for many aspects of cultural change.

Discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in athletics at Pacific. What is your perspective?

Lucas: I am a believer that you must get better every day. You are never where you truly want to be. But I look at where we stand as very inclusive. I believe that type of fairness and equity needs to exist and it also helps us accept our differences.  We work to embrace the contradictions and differences in each other. I love where we are but we’re not where we’re going to be.

Growing up, did you have an athlete or sports figure that was a role model?

Lucas: I watched a tremendous amount of tennis and basketball growing up. I played four sports in high school, but tennis and basketball were the sports I watched the most. For women in tennis, it would be people like Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade. There were a lot of males in the world of tennis who I respected, too. In college basketball, I got to watch Tom McMillen of the University of Maryland his whole career. He is still very influential in facilitating change in the world of sports. They all became agents of change.

Becoming a woman athletics director. It was not easy, was it?

Lucas: Along the way I had a lot of “firsts” or a-ha moments. A female in college athletic administration was so uncommon when I started. I was quietly paving the way by creating those firsts. Some of the people that worked with me who followed had better opportunities. And that’s a really good sign.

Switching to some other topics, how do you think Pacific Athletics has weathered the pandemic and of what are you most proud?

Lucas: I am extremely proud of how our student-athletes, coaches and staff have dealt with the pandemic. I think we pulled together to make it happen in the best way possible. We kept people as safe as possible while still providing an experience for student-athletes. Just writing off a year or two was not acceptable.

What are the biggest issues facing college athletics?

Lucas: One of the main issues will be the transformation committee work that is being done on the national level relative to the NCAA and how it is structured. These committees are by division, and I think it’s going to be very impactful for Division I athletics. It could change the face of college athletics. Also, there is name, image and likeness and the concept of “pay for play” for athletes.

You have a number of sports that are rebuilding. What is happening beyond the won-loss records with what some of the coaches are trying to do?

Lucas: It refers back to what we learned about what the true impact was on the pandemic. Part of the focus has been on rebuilding team focus, team camaraderie, the culture and the connections. Think of last year, when women’s basketball didn’t have a single team meal together due to the pandemic because of protocols. The records are not always indicative of the growth and the potential.

In addition to team performance, there is another barometer of success: how athletes are doing academically. Pacific athletes had cumulative 3.3 grade-point average in 2020-21.

Lucas: I am extremely proud. The manner in which they adapted to a very changing environment academically, and still practice and compete. Other students at the university also did so.

Finish the following sentence: Pacific Athletics in the year 2025 will be …”

Lucas: It will be a very special experience for our student-athletes where they are supported, challenged and encouraged to become their best. In addition, Pacific Athletics will continue to be a tremendous point of pride for our university and our community.
 

Janet’s favorites

Book: “Shackleton’s Way” by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell

Movie: “Last of the Mohicans”

Television show: “Fixer to Fabulous” (HGTV)

Food: Anything with spinach in it

Hobby or pastime: Running or cycling