CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In 1989, the NCAA established the senior woman administrator role at all schools. At the same time, Sara Burton was playing Division III college soccer, unaware of her future path in sports administration.

While she may not venture to call herself such, Burton has been a trailblazer for women in sports since her playing days.

“I went to Knox College, made a choice to go there,” said Burton. “The very first year they had a women’s soccer program was my first year there, and I was recruited to be a part of that change. I literally remember picking up bricks out of our soccer field my first two years.”

As chief sports officer and senior woman administrator, she has a direct hand in the well-being of female athletes on campus and in managing women’s sports.

“I’ve never had an administrator at so many of my practices, and I love it,” said Illinois head women’s basketball coach Shauna Green. “She’s seen the good days and bad days. She’s available to our players whenever they need her. They have a relationship with her because she’s so present.”

Burton has had the opportunity to lead Illini athletes through an exciting time, from the WBIT Championship to the upcoming Big Ten Tournaments.

“I don’t take any of those moments for granted, and I’m grateful to see it happening,” said Burton. We want to continue to celebrate women and girls in sport. We want to continue to role model for women and girls, not just in Champaign-Urbana, but across this country and across the world.”