PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Thomas Jefferson University Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Bernal as the department's new Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).
In her new role, Bernal will oversee NCAA compliance, serve as the department's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor, manage the department's TeamWorks platform, and contribute as a member of the Athletics Department's Senior Leadership Team. She will also play a significant role in advancing student-athlete leadership and development initiatives across the department.
A proven leader with extensive experience in Division I athletics, Bernal brings a unique blend of expertise in student-athlete development, leadership education, program administration, and performance coaching. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful experiences that support student-athletes both during their collegiate careers and beyond graduation.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Thomas Jefferson University Athletics and contribute to the continued growth of the department," said Bernal. "I believe deeply in the vision that is evident at Jefferson with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach to athletics that prioritizes building the person beyond the student-athlete. I'm excited to bring my experiences in coaching, education, leadership, and student-athlete development into this role and to work collaboratively across the department to help advance that vision while creating meaningful experiences that prepare our student-athletes to succeed in competition and lead well beyond their time at Jefferson."
Bernal most recently served in several leadership capacities within the University of Pennsylvania's Sports Performance program, including Sports Performance Internship Director and Direct Supervisor of Sports Performance Coaches. In those roles, she oversaw the recruitment, mentorship, and development of future athletics professionals while creating innovative pathways for student-athletes to explore career opportunities and leadership development. Her work included facilitating leadership programming for more than 500 student-athletes through the Penn Athletics Wharton Leadership Academy, advancing inclusive excellence initiatives, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for students interested in the sports industry.
In addition to her work at Penn, Bernal is already a familiar face within the Jefferson community. As an Adjunct Professor in the Exercise Science program, she has helped prepare students for professional success through coursework focused on career readiness, networking, and professional development. Her experience working closely with Jefferson students in the classroom, combined with her leadership in sport performance and athlete development, provides a strong foundation for success in her new role.
"Christina's professional experiences and personal values align exceptionally well with the mission of Jefferson Athletics," said Corey Goff, AVP and Director of Athletics. "Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to developing the whole student-athlete, helping young people grow as leaders, professionals, teammates, and members of their communities. She has earned the respect of colleagues and students alike through her professionalism, collaborative approach, and ability to build meaningful relationships. Having already served as an adjunct faculty member at Jefferson and worked closely with some of our student-athletes in leadership and developmental roles at the University of Pennsylvania, Christina understands the transformative impact athletics can have on students' lives. We believe she is the perfect fit for our department at this moment in its growth, and we are excited to welcome her to our senior leadership team."
Bernal's career includes coaching and leadership roles at the University of Pennsylvania, Monmouth University, Texas State University, Florida State University, Appalachian State University, and Inside Edge Athlete Academy. A former Division I student-athlete at the University of Maryland, she competed in track and field while earning her bachelor's degree in kinesiology before completing a master's degree in sport management from Florida State University.
Known for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive excellence, and passion for student-athlete wellbeing, Bernal has successfully led initiatives focused on leadership development, career readiness, mentorship, staff advancement, community engagement, and organizational growth. She has also contributed to the profession through numerous publications, presentations, and leadership forums.
Thomas Jefferson University Athletics is excited to welcome Christina Bernal to the department and looks forward to the impact her leadership, experience, and student-centered approach will have on the continued success of Jefferson's student-athletes and athletic programs.
