When Ingrid Wicker McCree was 19 years old and a sophomore at George Washington University, she decided she needed a job.
She took a job at the Charles E. Smith Center on campus, where she was an equipment manager and a game day operator for gymnastics and basketball with one idea in mind.
“I was just trying to keep my pocket change," McCree said. "But didn’t really know I was learning the ins and outs of athletics administrations and game day operations at that time."
The decision started her on a winding path that led her to where she is today.
McCree has been the athletic director at North Carolina Central University since May 1, 2008. In that time, she has received many superlatives, which include the 2014 NCAA Division I FCS Administrator of the Year Award presented by the Women Leaders in Sports.
She spoke at the Chapel Hill Sports Club monthly meeting on Wednesday at Squid’s Restaurant in recognition of her years of outstanding service as a leading female administrator in a male-dominated field.
Her latest achievement came on March 5, 2018 when she was selected for the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year Award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.
Usually, the Chapel Hill Sports Club invites speakers that have ties to UNC or Orange County sports. But one night about six months ago, Club President Brian Chacos was watching WRAL with his two young children when he saw McCree speaking about an issue at NCCU.
He was immediately inspired by the woman whom he calls a "total stud" and knew he had to get her to speak at his club’s monthly meeting.