Arizona Athletic Grounds, a youth sports and entertainment facility in Mesa, has hired transformational sports executive Meg Stevens as president.

Stevens arrives at AAG, 6321 S. Ellsworth Road in Mesa, after 11 years at Averett University where, as vice president, she was director of athletics and campus operations. She led AU to athletic and academic success, enhanced the student-athlete experience, spearheaded capital improvements, and bolstered the university’s regional and national profiles, according to a release.

Currently serving as board president for Women Leaders in Sports, Stevens’ hiring signifies AAG’s continued commitment to “Girls First,” its initiative prioritizing girl’s and women’s athletics, it states.

“Meg’s national reputation as a visionary, proven operator and impactful leader makes her a natural fit to drive AAG’s next phase of growth,” Chad Brownstein, chairman of AAG, said in the release.

“AAG is positioned to maximize its potential,” Mike Burke, newly appointed vice chairman of AAG, said in the release. “After an exhaustive talent search that spanned professional teams, university and media network executives, it became abundantly clear Meg is the best person to execute our vision.”

In 2020, Women Leaders in Sports named Stevens its Division III Administrator of the Year. The following year, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics recognized Stevens as one of the nation’s top athletics directors.

“This new life chapter is so exciting because, at my core, I’m a builder,” Stevens said in the release. “Everything I’ve done in my career has primed me to ensure AAG is a world-class facility and leader in the youth sports marketplace, and as a former college athlete and coach, part of my purpose will be ensuring a welcoming, inclusive experience for everyone, especially, the girls visiting our campus.”

Prior to her time at Averett, Stevens worked as assistant athletics director at Buffalo State University (2009-13) and spent 11 seasons as the Bengals’ women’s lacrosse coach, twice receiving Conference Coach of the Year honors. As a player at Cortland State, Stevens helped the Red Dragons to three consecutive NCAA Lacrosse Tournaments.

For information on rentals, sponsorship or event programming at AAG, email info@azgrounds.com.

Go to www.azgrounds.com.