NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — In the world of college athletics the name of Candice Storey Lee is known pretty well. Lee was recruited by Vanderbilt University when she was 17-year-old and played basketball for the lady Commodores. She's been part of the Commodore community for more than 20-years and when she was done lacing up her sneakers she was ready take on new roles at the University.
Today, Lee holds the title of interim vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and interim athletic director. She was appointed the position this year after the University announced the resignation of Malcom Turner.
Lee says she's humbled and honor of such a role, and thanks other black female college athletic directors like Carla Williams at University of Virginia for paving the way.
"If Carla opens the door for other people like me and I get the opportunity to open the door for others well it’s well worth it," said Lee.
Lee is the first female and woman of color to head an SEC athletics department.
"I’m very humbled to be the first of anything is very humbling but I said it before and I would say it again there are a lot of people out there that are prepared to lead they just need the opportunity to do so," Lee said.
It’s been nearly 20 years, when she first donned number "50" as a powerhouse basketball player here at Vanderbilt University. During that time, she became captain and a 4 year letter winner with the Commodores.
Lee says she hopes to use her time as a student-athlete as advantage.
"It’s definitely a servant leadership mentality, and also with everything that we do on a decision stand point to keep the student athlete first," She said, "I want to be as transparent as possible, I want to be as direct, I want to be as accessible and I want Commodore nation to feel good at the direction that we’re going."
Lee says her main focus is putting the student-athletes first and making sure they are provided.
