One of the most chillingly beautiful experiences in college athletics is Texas A&M’s tradition of the 12th Man swaying in unity during “saw varsity’s horns off.” 

Having won not only the title for possessing the best student section in the nation, but also the loudest in the country, Texas A&M’s athletic events cannot be ignored.

Rich with tradition, Texas A&M University was established in 1876 as the state’s first public institution of higher education. Beginning as an all-male military school, A&M has seen many changes over the past 144 years. In the 1960s, women were formally granted admission to the university and participating in the Corps of Cadets was suddenly a possibility. Throughout the University’s growth and change, one thing remains: the unity around its athletics. It is undeniable that there is something special about the 12th man and the spirit it embodies.

Texas A&M’s Athletics program is not only a national contender, but a fan favorite. Kristen Brown, the Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator and Julie Kruessel, Senior Associate Athletic Trainer and Director of Football Wellness, are two prime examples of how women have helped shape our athletic program into what it is today.

After having the privilege of speaking with these women about their careers and experiences, it is evident that the world of college athletics has many opportunities for women to thrive in. What steps did these women take to get to where they are today?

Kristen Brown was a college basketball player during her time at Northern Illinois University. After an injury, she decided she wanted to pursue the administrative side of athletics. The age of college students played an important role in her decision to pursue a career in college athletics. Prior to coming to Aggieland, Brown was the Associate Athletic Director-Administration at the University of Maryland for five years. Before that, she served as a conference administrator for the American Athletic Conference, the Big East, and the Big Ten Conference.

At Texas A&M, her responsibilities consist of being a sports administrator for women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball, and men’s and women’s tennis. Along with being an administrator, her role also includes student athlete experience, where she provides “support and [does] whatever [she] can to enhance the experience for all of our student athletes.” In addition to these responsibilities, she also serves as the senior women’s administrator, where she oversees Title IX, gender equity; this puts her in the SEC governance structure along with her other conference counterparts. 

When asked about her favorite career memory thus far, she spoke of when she got to see the University of Maryland’s men’s lacrosse team win the 2017 national championship. The previous year’s team had lost the championship in overtime and Brown said, “In 2017 to come back, to be in the national championship game again, to win it that year… that was probably my favorite and most special moment.”

When speaking on what has stood out to her most about Texas A&M’s athletic program and the university in general, Brown emphasized that the tradition and people here make all the difference. She explained, “Being a part of it and seeing it up close, the traditions and Spirit of Aggieland… you can read all about it, you can see it from a distance, but you really don’t get it until you’re here.”

Some advice for young women considering a career in any facet of the sports industry, she encourages you to not be afraid and to get involved as much as possible. Brown highlighted how important it is to gain experience, have an understanding of what you don’t like, and recognize that your path is your path. Any experience is valuable and can teach you about different aspects of the industry. From that, you can determine the areas you enjoy and those that you don’t. As far as trusting your path, she explains, “I think a lot of times young folks get caught up in ‘oh this person is doing this and that person is doing this… what about me? Focus on your own task.”

On the other side of the athletic program is Julie Kruessel. Kruessel has been at Texas A&M for almost two years now as the Associate Athletic Trainer and Director of Football Wellness.  During her academic career, she served as an athletic training student at the University of Cincinnati while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Additionally, she took on the role as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer during her master’s degree program at Louisiana State University. Before becoming a part of the Aggie family, she worked at both Florida State and Texas Tech University. 

Kruessel decided she wanted to become a trainer when she was in high school. She enjoyed being a student trainer so much, she aspired to continue her passions in college. In regard to her favorite aspect of the job, she explains, “Getting to work with the athletes on a full healthcare spectrum, from when they’re healthy to when they’re at their lowest and getting to see them through that entire process.”

Kruessel’s favorite moment of her career was during her tenure at Florida State University when Jimbo Fisher won the school a national championship back in 2014. She states, “When you are a part of a team like that, everything just seems to be working on all cylinders. Looking back you’re like ‘Woah, there was something there that was very special. It was a lot of fun.”

When considering her time at Texas A&M, the university’s pride and abundant traditions are what took her by surprise the most. Overall, the camaraderie the school has is an attention getter. Kruessel recalls, “I had always heard about it, about the Aggie traditions and the Aggie network. It’s been unbelievable seeing how that transitions from class to class. People will tell you about it all they want, but until you actually see it and how much people value it, it’s been pretty impressive.” With respect to the football program, she spoke about  how they pride themselves on being top of the line, trying to hold themselves to a higher standard and the value of recognizing that both on and off the field.

Her advice for young women considering a career in the sports industry is to network and trust the people who see something in you before you see it in yourself. She says, “When someone tells you, ‘Hey, I think you should do this,’ do it… if one of your mentors is telling you, ‘Hey, I think you should look into this,’ they’re seeing that you have potential that you don’t yet see in yourself. You have to trust and believe they’re going to guide you in the right direction.” 

Kristen Brown and Julie Kruessel have taken the world by storm. By being so successful and proud in a primarily male-dominant industry, they are inspiring young women to see themselves in these positions, ultimately giving them the strength and confidence to aim high and work hard. 

The 12th Man, while always strong, has a found new strength behind it. With passionate, determined, goal-oriented Aggies like these women, the spirit can only get stronger.

Article Written by Kathleen Bratton, Photos Courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics