

In this episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, Mike Cunningham sits down with Stephanie Bohannon, Director of Operations and Meet Manager for the University of Washington Track & Field and Cross Country programs.
From her beginnings as a student-athlete at UConn to her time with TrackTownUSA, Oregon Track & Field, and now Washington, Stephanie shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep elite collegiate programs and world-class events running smoothly.
The conversation dives into event management, athlete services, logistics, problem solving, the evolution of Washington Track & Field under Andy and Maurica Powell, and why relationships remain one of the most valuable skills in the sport.
Whether you're a coach, administrator, meet director, or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the people and processes that make track & field happen.
🎙 Topics Include:
🔹 Stephanie's journey from UConn athlete to Director of Operations
🔹 Lessons learned at TrackTownUSA and the University of Oregon
🔹 Building Washington Track & Field alongside Andy and Maurica Powell
🔹 What happens behind the scenes at major meets
🔹 Running competitions at the Dempsey Indoor Facility
🔹 Athlete services at the Prefontaine Classic and World Athletics U20 Championships
🔹 Why every connection matters
🔹 The art of problem solving in collegiate athletics
🔹 What makes great operations professionals successful
Dive into nearly 400 episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on Twitch.tv, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more!
🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode:
Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs Tuesdays through Sundays. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.
📲 Stay Connected:
Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Instagram (@MikeCunninghamTF), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍


