Deana Garner

Background

About Deana Garner

I’m a solutions‑oriented leader and athlete development professional with over 15 years of experience in collegiate and professional sports. My passion lies in helping student‑athletes and colleagues unlock their full potential on the field, in their education, and in every chapter of life. Throughout my career, I’ve built meaningful partnerships and programs, guided teams through challenges, and worked to create spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging and well‑being. With a strong background in Title IX, risk management, and equity initiatives, I focus on fairness and compliance while always keeping the growth and safety of athletes, coaches, and staff at the center. For example, I led a department‑wide initiative that trained over 600 student‑athletes and staff on Title IX and launched a mentorship program to help athletes transition successfully into life after sports. I’m also proud to have coordinated a Civic Engagement Project across 26 sports, bringing student‑athletes together at our ASU Women’s basketball practice facility with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office, Sparky (ASU Mascot), and Phil the Bill (the county mascot) who played hoops against each other, culminating in a “Pizza at the Polls” event. The event perfectly reflects one of my passions: educating young people about civic action and the power of their voice. I deeply believe sports are a powerful, transformative platform. They shape character, build resilience, and open doors. My commitment is to give others the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive far beyond competition. I thrive in environments where collaboration, innovation, and leadership come together to make a lasting impact. Let's connect!