Durham, N.C. - Former North Carolina Central Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, who retired from NC Central after 30 years of service as a coach and administrator in 2021, was announced as a Nike Lifetime Achievement Award honoree by Women Leaders in Sports on Tuesday.  

Women Leaders in Sports' Nike Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to professionals who have dedicated their careers to advancing women in sports. Wicker McCree will be honored alongside three others, including former Cal State East Bay Director of Athletics Debby DeAngelis, former Monmouth University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil and former Hampton University and Norfolk State track and field and cross country head coach Phyllis LaVerne Sweat. All four women will be recognized at the 2026 Women Leaders in Sports National Convention in Chicago, Oct. 12-14.

Wicker McCree has been seen throughout her career as a transformational leader and innovative strategist whose influence extends across higher education, sports tourism, amateur, and professional sports. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Wicker McCree has built a distinguished career as a student-athlete, coach, educator, athletics administrator, and executive leader. In 2008, she made history as the first woman to hold the permanent position of Director of Athletics at NC Central. During her 14-year tenure, she successfully guided NCCU's transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), leading the development and implementation of the university's first comprehensive strategic plan for reclassification.

Under her guidance, NCCU Athletics won four MEAC Men's Basketball Championships, a MEAC Football Championship, a Celebration Bowl appearance, and the 2014 HBCU Men's Tennis National Championship. 

Click here to read more about all the 2026 Women Leaders in Sports Award honorees.  

For more information on NCCU athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.