Derek Cowherd

Biography

Derek Cowherd, a former University of Louisville football student-athlete with over 20 years of experience in athletic administration, currently serves as Associate Athletic Director for Community Engagement and Organizational Culture and is a Sport Administrator for Women's Lacrosse and Rowing. He joined the Cardinal Athletics senior leadership team in November 2021 following a national reputation for advancing inclusive excellence, organizational leadership, and staff and student-athlete success. Initially appointed to lead the department's Inclusive Excellence efforts, Cowherd's role has strategically evolved in alignment with departmental and institutional needs. He continues to serve on the department's senior staff, where he oversees sport administration for Rowing and Women's Lacrosse and provides leadership for culture-building, strategic planning, and staff development initiatives across the department. Cowherd serves on multiple university-wide committees, advises senior leaders on staff and student-athlete engagement and hiring practices, and supports key functions related to onboarding, mentorship, and operational policy regarding belonging and organizational culture. He is a member of the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Committee (2024–2029), representing the Atlantic Coast Conference, and previously served as the interim sport administrator for Football during the 2022 season. Prior to returning to Louisville, Cowherd served as Executive Director for Student-Athlete Suppo