WASHINGTON – American University Athletics Associate Athletic Director Patty Medina has been named to Silver Waves Media's Top 100 Rising ADs and Future ADs list, a nationally recognized honor highlighting the next generation of athletic department leaders across college athletics.

Silver Waves Media, a leading voice in college sports media and leadership recognition, compiles the list in consultation with industry professionals to spotlight administrators who are making a measurable impact and demonstrating the vision, innovation, and commitment to student-athletes that define excellence in collegiate athletics leadership.

Medina, who joined AU in December 2023, has brought significant momentum to the Eagles' athletics department through the launch of Beyond The Jersey, AU's comprehensive student-athlete development platform, and AUnited, the department's inclusive excellence initiative. Under her leadership, AU Athletics has expanded career readiness programming, mental health and wellness initiatives, community and civic engagement, and cultural heritage programming — building meaningful partnerships with organizations including M&T Bank, Leidos, Kogod School of Business, and community organizations across the DMV.

"Being recognized alongside some of the most talented administrators in college athletics is truly humbling. But what this honor means most to me is that the work we are doing for student-athletes at AU is being seen — the programs, the partnerships, the intentional investment in who they are beyond their sport. I am grateful to American University Athletics for the platform to do this work, and to every student-athlete, campus partner, and community member who has been part of building something real here."

— Patty Medina, Associate Athletic Director

This recognition adds to a growing list of national honors for Medina, which includes Silver Waves Media's 2025 Most Impactful People in Women's College Basketball, the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, the NACDA U Grant, the N4A Kenneth O. Miles Professional Promise Award, and selection to the Women Leaders in Sports Leadership Enhancement Institute. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and chairs the NACDA/N4A Ethnic Concerns Committee.