Jordyn Foster has made history at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). At just 22 years old, the recent NCAT graduate became the first woman and youngest-ever director of football operations in the university’s history.
Foster got her start in sports management as an intern under former director JaQuan Respass. As the A&T Register reported, Foster took the initiative to ask Respass directly, “I walked in and asked the director of football operations if I could be his intern.”
She was the first intern Respass had taken on during his five years in the role at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
When Respass left NCAT in March 2023 to work in football operations for the Arizona Cardinals, the door opened for Foster to step into the director position. Head coach Vincent Brown put Foster through a three-month interview process before offering her the job.
Breaking Barriers as a Young Black Woman
Landing the director role is a remarkable achievement for the 22-year-old. Foster is breaking barriers as both the first woman and youngest person to become director of football operations at NCAT.
Foster’s journey has not come without rejection and obstacles. She shared that she applied for an NFL Experienceship Program internship the previous year and got denied.
“I applied again with these experiences under my belt and was accepted,” Foster said. She has proven her perseverance and willingness to learn.
The Prince George’s County, Maryland native recognizes that being a young Black woman in sports management comes with unique challenges.
“In this space, I have to think twice about how I am carrying myself,” Foster explained. “I have to make sure I am demanding my respect, especially in a predominantly male environment.”
Her Vision for the Program
As the director of football operations, Foster oversees important aspects of the program like travel coordination, expense reports, recruiting visits, and more. She is responsible for ensuring operations run smoothly.
Foster brings her unique perspective as a young Black woman to improve the player and fan experience. For example, she suggested enhancing the team’s travel itineraries with colorful graphics to energize players for away games.
She also proposed displaying current players’ statistics, instead of NFL player stats, during recruiting visits. “Recruits during their junior and senior year need to feel like they can envision themselves on our field, with our team, in our colors. We’re not recruiting NFL players. We are recruiting student-athletes that want to be Aggies,” Foster explained.
Foster’s Football Journey Comes Full Circle
Football has been an integral part of Foster’s life from a young age. She grew up an avid Denver Broncos fan in a family of Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens fans.
Foster fondly remembers watching games intently with her dad, asking him to explain every play in detail. “I love football, but I used to not understand it,” she said. “But my dad would break down the plays for me. I asked a question on every down.”
Now, Foster helps manage the football program at the university where her passion first took root. After some twists and turns, her journey has come full circle.
Foster still has big dreams ahead as she continues to blaze trails for young Black women in sports. But for now, she is proud to make history as NCAT football’s first female and youngest director of operations.
