Her Voice Roars: Women in Pacific Athletics
Photo taken by Mōhailani Peloso
Pacific celebrates the female athletics staff, athletes, and sports fanatics.
I am a sports writer, basketball coach, and passionate sports enthusiast. As a woman in the sports world, I have often felt overlooked and underappreciated. That is why the University of the Pacific’s spotlight on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, shared across social media on February 5th, means so much to me.
The Pacifican has provided me with the opportunity to write about these passions of mine, and thanks to Pacific, I am learning how to make a mark on the professional side of the industry. I am honored to utilize my position to shine a light on some of the incredible women in Pacific Athletics who are paving the way and breaking barriers in sports.
“Today, we celebrate the incredible women who are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making history in the world of sports! From athletes to coaches, officials, and leaders, their passion, strength, and perseverance inspire us all.” - @PacificAthletics via Instagram
Amanda Leland’s leadership in athletics has made her a key figure in advancing opportunities for Pacific student-athletes. Rejoining Pacific Athletics in July 2023 as Director of Athletics Development, she serves as a liaison between the Pacific Athletic Foundation and its Board of Directors, while managing a portfolio of donors. Previously, she played a crucial role in the university’s fundraising efforts as the Associate Director of Annual Giving, helping coordinate the Pacific Gives program. Her background in athletics administration, combined with her fundraising expertise, strengthens the university’s commitment to supporting its athletes.
Before transitioning into development, Leland spent over eight seasons as Pacific’s Director of Women’s Basketball Operations, overseeing team logistics, donor relations, and major fundraising events. She also served as the tournament director for the annual Tiger Turkey Tip-Off, further demonstrating her ability to elevate athletic programs. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, her leadership demonstrates the critical role women play in shaping the future of collegiate sports.
Student Assistant to the Women’s Basketball squad, Endigo Parker, gives props to her basketball role models Candance Parker and Lisa Leslie. Parker shared that Parker was a significant inspiration to her own journey through basketball, noting how seeing a tall, dominant post player excel opened her eyes to what was possible. She also expressed admiration for Leslie, not only for her game but for the leadership she displayed on and off the court. She said Parker and Leslie inspired her to play at the next level.
“Being part of a women’s basketball team has given me a strong sense of community and resilience. It’s shaped my leadership skills, taught me how to handle pressure, and given me friendships that feel more like family. It’s also opened doors for me professionally, whether through networking, scholarships, or just learning how to carry myself with confidence in male-dominated spaces.” - Endigo Parker, ‘25 (Media X)
Samantha (Sam) Duran-Kukuk, a former Women’s College World Series participant at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is breaking barriers in women’s athletics as the newly named Head Coach of the Pacific softball program. Announced by Director of Athletics Adam Tschuor in 2025 for the 2024-2025 season, her involvement represents another step forward for women in coaching - a field where female leadership remains underrepresented across sports.
With eight years of coaching experience, including three as Associate Head Coach at Utah Valley, Duran-Kukuk has proven her ability to elevate programs. This past season, she helped lead the Wolverines to 25 wins, their highest total in over a decade, while guiding them to a 15-10 record in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and securing key victories in the WAC Tournament. Her journey from collegiate athlete to head coach serves as an inspiration for the next generation of women looking to make their mark in sports, both on and off the field.
The stories of Leland, Parker, and Duran-Kukuk highlight the powerful impact women continue to make in the world of sports. Whether through leadership in athletic development, inspiring the next generation of athletes, or breaking barriers in coaching, these women are reshaping the industry and proving that sports are for everyone. By continuing to highlight their successes, we help pave the way for future generations of women in athletics, ensuring that the playing field equalizes with every step forward.