Stacy Kosciak

From her early days as a multi-sport high school athlete and coach to her current role as a senior leader for UNCW Athletics, each step of Stacy Kosciak’s journey has brought her closer to helping others benefit from the same opportunities sports provide. 

“Being a collegiate student-athlete and a Division I head coach gave me a unique perspective,” she said. “I understand the student-athlete experience at its core, while also appreciating the complexities coaches face in building programs. That dual lens helps guide my decisions as an administrator.” 

Kosciak was named UNCW Athletics’ new deputy athletic director and chief operating officer in April 2025 following a tenure at Bowling Green. Prior to Bowling Green, Kosciak spent more than 20 years in various roles at UNC Greensboro. After four seasons as head coach of the volleyball program, she made the transition to administration. 

Her decision to join the Seahawks was rooted in a deep respect for the university’s tradition of athletic excellence and the pride it brings to Wilmington, but it was a conversation with Director of Athletics Michael Oblinger that sealed the deal, she said.  

 “His vision for where Seahawk Athletics can go — and the chance to partner with him in making that vision a reality — made this the right next chapter for me,” Kosciak added.  

Kosciak’s leadership style is grounded in authenticity, integrity and servant leadership, she said. “People thrive when they know their leader is consistent, transparent and grounded in doing what’s right,” she explained. “My role is to remove barriers, provide resources and create an environment where others can succeed.” 

 Kosciak’s first priority was to listen and engage with campus and community stakeholders to understand strengths, challenges and opportunities. Her focus is on three areas: enhancing the student-athlete experience, streamlining operations and positioning UNCW Athletics to be proactive in a rapidly evolving industry. Mental health, financial pressures and the complexities of NIL and revenue sharing are just a few of the challenges she’s tackling head-on.  

“Our industry is being reshaped in real time, and adaptability is critical,” she said. “We must build systems nimble enough to pivot as change continues to be the norm.” 

Success, for Kosciak, is holistic. It’s about graduation rates, championship wins and postseason play — but also about wellbeing, career development and leadership growth, she said.  

“Athletics is not a stand-alone entity,” she emphasized. “It’s integral to the university. We help advance the mission supporting recruitment, retention, engagement and brand recognition. Athletics builds traditions, strengthens school spirit and creates unique shared experiences that unite the campus and community.” 

As UNCW continues to bolster its athletics program, Kosciak is energized by the opportunity to build on a strong foundation. 

“UNCW is at a remarkable point of momentum — athletic success across the department, a strong culture of philanthropy, rising enrollment and the vision of leaders like Chancellor Volety and Athletics Director Oblinger all create an incredible blueprint for growth,” she said. “What excites me most is to build on that foundation to further elevate Seahawk athletics, enhance visibility and deepen the connections that make Wilmington such a special community.”