Clesi Crochet: Rising Leader in Collegiate Football Operations
In the world of collegiate athletics, few names stand out in operations and leadership the way Clesi Crochet does. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, commitment to student-athlete development, and ability to manage complex operations at some of the nation’s most respected universities, Crochet has carved a path that reflects both passion and professionalism. Her journey through Boise State, Auburn University, and San José State University is a story of dedication, growth, and excellence.
This article explores the career, education, certifications, and experiences that have shaped Clesi Crochet into a recognized professional in collegiate-level sports operations.
Early Life and Education
Clesi Crochet is a proud graduate of Boise State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies between 2015 and 2019. Her time at Boise State was not only academic but also highly athletic. She was an active student-athlete for all four years, serving as a member of the Boise State Mane Line Dance Team, and eventually becoming Team Captain in her senior year (2018–2019).
During this time, Crochet developed invaluable skills in teamwork, leadership, and time management. Balancing academics, athletics, internships, and a part-time job gave her an unmatched ability to handle high-pressure environments. She also pursued further academic enrichment by earning a certificate in Sports Innovation and Culture, a program designed to enhance understanding of sports communication and organizational dynamics.
Her experiences at Boise State laid the foundation for her professional journey, combining education, athletics, and leadership in a way that would define her future career.
Licenses and Certifications
Beyond her degree, Crochet expanded her professional toolkit with specialized certifications.
- Sports Innovation and Culture Certificate (2018) – This program gave her insight into the intersection of sports, media, and organizational culture, providing a solid understanding of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
- Design Ethnography Certificate (2019) – This certification sharpened her ability to analyze cultural and behavioral trends, particularly useful in managing diverse teams and engaging student-athletes in meaningful development programs.
These certifications complemented her academic background, showcasing her drive to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom and strengthen her professional profile.
Career Journey
Boise State Athletics
Crochet’s professional journey began at Boise State Athletics, where she served as the Assistant to the Head Coach and On-Campus Recruiting and Operations Coordinator from January 2019 to February 2021.
Her responsibilities included:
- Planning and executing official and unofficial recruiting visits.
- Coordinating onboarding for new student-athletes.
- Overseeing transcript evaluations for prospective athletes.
- Managing travel logistics for the team.
- Supporting operational budget management.
She was also a staff member of the 2019 Mountain West Conference Championship-winning team, a highlight that marked the early success of her career. Boise State not only gave her a platform to start in athletic administration but also allowed her to showcase her ability to balance logistics, compliance, and recruitment.
Auburn University
In February 2021, Crochet transitioned to Auburn University, where she became the Assistant to the Head Coach and Football Operations. She worked in this role until July 2022.
Her work at Auburn included:
- Managing daily scheduling and communication for the head coach.
- Creating staff and team yearly calendars.
- Designing and developing team presentations and media.
- Overseeing in-season and recruiting travel logistics.
- Coordinating cross-functional communication between football staff, athletic administration, and players.
- Handling NCAA CARA time management and compliance reporting.
This role elevated her operational skills, giving her firsthand experience with the demands of a Power Five program, where expectations and standards are among the highest in collegiate athletics.
San José State Athletics Beyond Sparta
In September 2022, Crochet joined San José State University, beginning as the Athlete Development & Football Logistics Coordinator under the Beyond Sparta program. She remained in this role until February 2024.
Her responsibilities here reflected her passion for student-athlete growth and holistic development:
- Coordinating programming for Beyond Sparta, including travel, event planning, logistics, and communication.
- Managing career development opportunities by connecting student-athletes with businesses and organizations.
- Leading community service programs and engaging athletes in civic participation.
- Overseeing social media management, app tracking, and award eligibility.
- Advising student-athlete groups such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Beyond Sparta Ambassadors.
This role highlighted her ability to combine operations management with student-athlete mentorship, helping young athletes transition from sports into professional life.
Director of Football Operations at San José State
In February 2024, Crochet was promoted to Director of Football Operations at San José State University, a position she continues to hold.
In this leadership role, she oversees all daily functions of the football program, including travel, scheduling, budgeting, logistics, and coordination with athletic leadership. She also plays a critical role in ensuring coaches, staff, and players have the resources and structure they need to succeed on and off the field.
Her ability to anticipate challenges, plan for peak efficiency, and manage relationships with stakeholders has made her a cornerstone of San José State Football’s operations.
Additional Experience: Dance Unlimited (Boise, ID)
Before fully transitioning into collegiate athletics, Crochet also shared her passion for dance as a Dance Coach at Dance Unlimited in Boise, Idaho (2017–2020).
She taught jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary dance, as well as choreographed competitive routines. More importantly, she fostered a culture of positivity and teamwork, instilling values that echo her current work with student-athletes.
This experience demonstrates her versatility—not only excelling in athletics administration but also as a coach and mentor in the arts.
Skills and Expertise
Clesi Crochet’s career has equipped her with a wide range of professional skills:
- Project Management & Logistics – Proven ability to oversee travel, scheduling, and complex event coordination.
- Data & Budget Management – Skilled in managing budgets, reports, and compliance requirements.
- Stakeholder Relations – Experienced in working with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and external organizations.
- Graphic Design & Brand Awareness – Strong background in creating media and presentations for staff and team communication.
- Leadership & Mentorship – Known for her commitment to student-athlete development and team culture.
Conclusion
Clesi Crochet exemplifies what it means to be a leader in collegiate sports administration. From her early years at Boise State, through her time at Auburn, to her current role at San José State University, she has consistently proven herself as a dedicated professional with a passion for operations and student-athlete success.
Her blend of education, certifications, hands-on experience, and leadership qualities positions her as one of the most promising names in the field of football operations. Whether it’s managing logistics, supporting student-athlete development, or ensuring seamless operations for a football program, Crochet continues to make a lasting impact on collegiate athletics.
