Group of flag football officials, in a group huddle

Basketball official holding ball on court while teams line up for free throw shot

Four soccer staff in orange sweatshirts, smiling a camera

Tennis staff on court announcing through microphone

Group of four basketball staff at scoring table

Back of flag football official on outside field calling a play

Volunteer, Officiate, or Play

Let’s Celebrate Those Within the Championship Series

I think it has been AWESOME to see the accomplishments Unified has had throughout the Series. Unified can be found at Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer and Esports and has been growing each year! Seeing the expansion of Unified on college campuses is very special.

Brittany Mueller (she/her), Florida State University

I’d like to celebrate the Social Justice Work Team with the NIRSA Championship Series. These volunteers are doing such impactful work through research and planning of social justice activities, resources, and guides so that regional and national tournament hosts can facilitate meaningful discussions and training sessions for the volunteers.

Max Miller, Swarthmore College Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation, Wellness, & Physical Education

I feel seen, appreciated, and valued for my work on the Champ Series, we truly are one big NIRSA family there.

Amber Mateer (they/them)

I want to celebrate all of those people who made it possible for me to develop to where I am today as a flag football official. It all started with my Intramural Sports Coordinator and Director who gave me the opportunity to officiate at a NIRSA tournament.

Jake Harvanchik, Oklahoma State University / California State University Fullerton, Flag Football Official

Our Principles

To ensure the integrity of the Series, staff and volunteers will:

Foster a culture that promotes positive participant experiences
manage operational resources responsibly
Faciliate and encourage student and professional development opportunities
Assess, evaluate, and implement standards of excellence
lead with open and honest communication

The Series provides premier championship experiences delivered by dedicated NIRSA volunteers within a safe and inclusive environment

The promise emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful experiences for all participants – players, coaches, spectators, officials, volunteers, staff, and stakeholders.

Our Promise

Our Priorities

Focus strategically on the participant experience

Communicate the impact of involvement

Engage and retain volunteers

Meet the Executive Team

Nicole Jackson (She/Her)

Director of National Sport Program, NIRSA HQ

Nicole Jackson is the Director of National Sport Programs at NIRSA, where she’s been part of the team—and the NIRSA Championship Series—for eight years. She helps run regional and national tournaments, which is equal parts challenging, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is getting to connect with incredible people from all over the country, many of whom have turned into friends.

Nicole lives in Oregon with her husband and their two retired greyhounds, Larry and Leela. When she’s not working, you’ll probably find her painting, kayaking, hammocking, or hiking—or curled up with a good book or laughing at a delightfully cheesy movie. She’s always up for a good conversation, a new adventure, or a recommendation for her next favorite book or cheesy movie.

Lauren Carlson (She/Her)

Coordinator of National Sport Program, NIRSA HQ

Lauren Carlson is part of the team at NIRSA HQ, working closely with the incredible volunteers, athletes, and student officials who power the NIRSA Championship Series. Her journey with the Series began in 2014 as a student official, and she later continued her involvement professionally while at the University of Central Florida. Her passion for the NIRSA community ultimately led her to her current role, where she is committed to bringing big ideas and even bigger change to the Championship Series.

Originally from Chicago, Lauren now lives in sunny Florida and makes the most of the warm weather by spending time at the beach, hanging out with friends, and traveling whenever she can. A true sports enthusiast, she still finds time to stay involved as a collegiate women’s basketball official — because for Lauren, sports really are life.

Stephanie Calhoun (She/Her)

Series Executive Chair

Stephanie serves as Assistant Director of Facility Management at Georgia Southern University where she oversees recreation facilities, events, and student staff. She has been involved with the NIRSA Championship Series since 2015 when she attended her first tournament as student official, and she has been involved ever since. In addition to contributing to her campus community and volunteering with the NIRSA Championship Series, Stephanie enjoys traveling to National Parks and spending time with her goldendoodle, Penny.

Nikki Vance (She/Her)

Series Executive Vice Chair

Nikki is the Coordinator of Intramural Sports & Youth Camps at the University of Oregon. She has been involved with the Series for 7+ years and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Executive Team. She has previously served as the Chair of the Brand Management Work Team, Chair of the Esports Taskforce, and the Director of Media for National Flag Football while also volunteering at numerous regional and national tournaments. She currently officiates women’s college basketball as well as high school basketball and volleyball. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, or camping, and also enjoys unwinding on the couch with a trashy reality tv show or a good book.

Greg Durham (He/Him)

Series Executive 2nd Vice Chair

Greg Durham serves as the Director of Partnerships & Programs at Georgia Tech Campus Recreation. With a focus on fitness, competitive sports, and outdoor recreation, Greg is passionate about creating student-centered programs that drive engagement and build community…

Greg has been involved in NIRSA since 2008. He has served in many roles on the Championship Series, including Director of Competition for National Basketball, Director of Officials at several Regional Basketball & Flag Football tournaments as well as the Tournament Director for the first-ever NIRSA Esports Tournament.

Outside of work, Greg is a longtime sports fan, a college women’s basketball official, and a video game nerd.