LEXINGTON, Va. — Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics
Jan Hathorn announced that Washington and Lee University has named
Terlynn Olds as the Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations, effective July 1, 2025.
Olds, known to many as "TO," brings over two decades of leadership experience in collegiate athletics across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. Most recently, she served as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation at LaGrange College, where she led comprehensive department-wide efforts in facilities planning, budget oversight, and athletic operations.
"We are thrilled to welcome Terlynn to the W&L community," said Hathorn. "She stood out in a deep pool of applicants because of her depth of experience in numerous aspects of athletics administration, her enthusiastic spirit, and her passion for student-athletes and supporting them throughout their collegiate experience."
Olds has held prominent administrative roles at a variety of institutions. Her leadership journey began in 2013 when she transitioned from coaching to athletic administration, taking on the role of Director of Athletics at Chatham University. She later served as Associate Director of Athletics for Business Affairs at Chicago State University, Deputy Director of Athletics and Business Manager at Grambling State University, and Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Over the course of her administrative career, Olds has been a driving force behind operational enhancements, policy development, and strategic budget management.
"I am honored and excited to join the W&L Athletics team," said Olds on the appointment. "Washington and Lee is a prestigious institution with a remarkable tradition of excellence, both in the classroom and on the playing fields. I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics
Jan Hathorn, the search committee, and the W&L staff for their confidence in me and for the warmth they've shown throughout this process."
Before stepping fully into administration, Olds built a 15-year coaching career in college basketball. She coached at both NCAA Division II and III levels, including head coaching roles at Saint Leo University and Spelman College, where she also served as Associate Director of Athletics.
Olds is an alumna of Division II Saint Leo University, where she was a standout student-athlete. She captained the women's basketball team, ranked fourth in the Sunshine State Conference in scoring, and set five single-season program records—points (2,001), field goals made (809), rebounds (1,176), blocks (101), and field goal percentage (.445). She was a First-Team All-SSC selection as a player. In 2024, she was inducted into the Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame for her playing accolades. Coaching the Lions, her team was recognized by the NCAA as one of the Top 20 Best Turnaround Programs in 2006
Throughout her career, Olds has championed student-athlete welfare, community engagement, and inclusive excellence. Olds concluded, "I look forward to using my gifts, knowledge, and experiences to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth of Generals Athletics and to support the mission of Washington and Lee University."
She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education with a focus in sport leadership from Concordia University of Chicago. Olds holds a pair of master's degrees, one from the United States Sports University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo. Olds earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Mangement while having a standout career on the court for the Lions.
"Terlynn is a resourceful, knowledgeable, effective leader who brings out the best in people and who will be a wonderful addition to not only the athletics department but to all areas of our campus," Hathorn Concluded. "I look forward to working with and serving the W&L Community and our student-athletes beside her."
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
