Zoya Volpe

Zoya Volpe has built a distinguished career in collegiate athletics through determination, curiosity, and a deep commitment to supporting student-athletes. With nearly 15 years of experience in college athletics, she serves as Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at San Francisco State Athletics, where she oversees NCAA compliance for ten athletic programs. Her responsibilities include managing initial and continuing eligibility, financial aid compliance, NCAA waivers, and institutional reporting while serving as a trusted resource for coaches, administrators, and student-athletes. A graduate of American University with a bachelor's degree in political science, Zoya further strengthened her expertise by earning a Sports Administration Professional Certificate from Sports Management Worldwide, laying the foundation for a career centered on integrity, education, and excellence in collegiate athletics.

Inspired by a lifelong passion for college basketball, Zoya discovered that her greatest impact would come behind the scenes, helping student-athletes compete while ensuring institutions uphold the highest standards of NCAA compliance. Beginning her career as an intern, she steadily advanced through hard work, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to learning. Today, she is recognized for her expertise in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, where no two days are alike. In addition to leading compliance operations, she serves on the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Executive Council, chairs the conference's Legislative Committee, and contributes to conference-wide initiatives that strengthen governance and enhance the student-athlete experience. Her collaborative leadership, attention to detail, and ability to build meaningful relationships have earned the respect of colleagues throughout the profession.

Throughout her career, Zoya has embraced the belief that success is built through both knowledge and relationships. She credits mentorship, persistence, and a willingness to continually learn as key factors in her professional growth, and she encourages aspiring sports administrators to seek internships, ask thoughtful questions, and remain open to every opportunity. Passionate about expanding opportunities for women in athletics, she believes meaningful careers exist far beyond the sidelines, with compliance and administration playing essential roles in collegiate sports. Outside the office, Zoya remains an avid fan of college athletics, and her enthusiasm for the student-athlete experience continues to inspire her work every day. Through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to integrity, she helps ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically while preserving the values at the heart of collegiate competition.