Katherine “Kathy” Hinderliter is in her 32nd year at Ottawa University, where she serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Operations. Her dedicated tenure at the university has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, colleagues, and the broader university community. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Kathy was honored as the Female Trailblazer of the Year by the NAIA in 2024-2025.
In her current role, Kathy plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ottawa University's athletic programs comply with NAIA eligibility requirements. She works closely with the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), Director of Athletics, and the Registrar to ensure all processes are seamlessly followed. Kathy is also instrumental in supporting international student-athletes with the InCred process and NAIA Connect, as well as meticulously managing transfer paperwork and contact information.
Beyond compliance, Kathy is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the athletic department. She oversees team budgets, including processing POs, invoices, and credit card expenditures, and plays a vital role in coordinating travel logistics for the university's 33 athletic teams. Kathy works closely with athletic trainers to ensure medical billing is handled appropriately for student-athletes.
A trailblazer in her own right, Kathy oversaw the Cheer and Dance programs and she was the inaugural coach for the Dance team at Ottawa University from 1993 to 2004, where she transformed both programs from club organizations into official varsity sports within the athletics department. Her advocacy for women in sports helped establish the foundation for these programs' success.
Kathy is also a representative for the Champions of Character program in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), a member of the Athletic Compliance Administrators, and one of the original members of the Champions of Character program with the NAIA national office.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kathy is passionate about raising and showing quarter horses and enjoys gardening in her free time. She is a loving mother of two, a proud grandmother, and a dedicated wife to her late husband. Her legacy at Ottawa University continues to shape the institution’s athletics department, and she is widely regarded for her tireless commitment to student-athletes and the university’s success.
