07/24/2026
Join RLS Athletic Director Justin Clymo '93 for another episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast as he sits down with Gina Lehe '96, Vice President of Communications at the NCAA. Check it out!
In this special Contacts Coaching Podcast episode, host interviews Gina Lehe, Vice President of Communications at the NCAA, about her path from Stevenson to the University of Arizona, decades in postseason college football (Fiesta Bowl, Rose Bowl, and launching College Football Playoff communications), and joining the NCAA in 2019 just before NIL upheaval, the pandemic, and nonstop crisis communications. Leahy explains how bowl games and CFP operate as separate entities from the NCAA, clarifies that NCAA rules are created by member-driven committees, and describes how a patchwork of state laws and court вмешательства fuels uncertainty around NIL, transfers, and eligibility. She addresses misconceptions like “five and five,” outlines the developing age-based eligibility model, and discusses federal efforts such as the Protect College Sports Act. The conversation also covers House settlement impacts, revenue sharing, protecting Olympic/non-revenue sports, misconceptions in recruiting, and highlights women’s championships—especially women’s gymnastics—as must-see events.
00:00 Podcast Intro Guest
00:32 Gina’s Path to NCAA
02:35 Crisis Comms Era
05:01 How Bowl System Works
07:36 CFP vs NCAA Explained
10:07 NIL Rulemaking Reality
16:00 Patchwork Laws and Congress
18:24 Eligibility Model Update
21:24 Messaging Leaks and Process
30:20 House Settlement Fallout
36:46 Revenue Share and Alston
40:06 Mid Majors And Tiers
41:20 Olympic Sports Sustainability
43:15 Disparity And Expansion
46:07 Accountability And Myths
48:27 Media Literacy And Data
51:23 NIL Recruiting Myths
55:55 D1 Bust Mentality
01:01:08 NCAA Success Means Clarity
01:02:41 Hidden Gem Championships
01:09:04 Leadership Mindset Shifts
01:14:18 Closing Reflections