DECORAH, Iowa — Luther College was selected as a recipient of the NCAA Pathways to Excellence grant. Pavla Yakimova has been appointed as the Coordinator of Creative Media, Marketing, and Fan Engagement following a national search announced by Athletic Director Megan Wilson. 

Luther was one of 22 NCAA Division III institutions or conferences receiving the NCAA Pathways to Excellence Grant. The NCAA Pathways to Excellence Grant provides funding for full-time, entry-level athletics administrative positions for two academic years. These positions are designed to offer hands-on experience in various areas, including strategic planning, budget management, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

Yakimova is a recent graduate from Gustavus Adolphus College, where she earned a degrees in Computer Science and Studio Art. During her time there, she was an accomplished tennis player, achieving MIAC all-conference honorable mention honors in both singles and doubles.