Darger named to Young Women General Board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Sept. 15, 2018)  — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today announced new members of the Young Women general board who will help meet the global needs of the organization. Included on the new seven-member general board is BYU senior associate athletic director and senior woman administrator Liz Darger.

As a member of the general board, Darger and the other six board members counsel with the Young Women General Presidency on the needs of young women of the Church in their local areas. This includes attending local activities, events, and Sunday classes in addition to holding focus groups. They also review and make recommendations regarding curriculum, programs, and other youth resources. Board members also serve on general committees regarding the needs and interests of young women and provide training as assigned by the Young Women General Presidency.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this unique way,” Darger said. “I love the young women of the church and am excited to help them as they seek to understand their identity as daughters of God and disciples of Jesus Christ. I am excited to learn from and serve alongside presidency members Sister Cordon, Sister Craig and Sister Craven. They are remarkable leaders and I am anxious to assist them in any way that I can.”

In her current position at BYU Athletics, Darger serves as a campus Title IX liaison and oversees human resources, student-athlete welfare, gender equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. She also serves as the sport administrator for women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s gymnastics, the spirit squads, and men’s and women’s track and field.

Darger serves on a variety of BYU campus committees including the Women’s Conference committee and the Homecoming committee. Darger also serves on the West Coast Conference Executive Council, the WCC Championships and Sport Administration Cabinet, and the NCAA Common Ground Leadership Team.

“Liz is multi-talented and possesses unique skills that allow her to accomplish her goals and numerous dreams,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “She is a friend to many and is constantly looking for opportunities to serve. Her many personal strengths have benefitted our BYU Athletic Department in numerous ways. She will be a valuable asset to the Young Women general board.”

Darger is a Utah Women & Leadership Project Ambassador and is also an active member of Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly known as NACWAA). Darger was recently presented the Emerging Professional Award from the Utah Women in Higher Education Network, the Utah affiliate of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network.

“We are thrilled to have Sister Liz Darger serving on the Young Women general board," said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints young women general president Bonnie H. Cordon. "She has a tremendous love for the youth and has much to offer to the young women and leaders of the Church. We look forward to working together at this historic time under the inspiring leadership of President Russell M. Nelson.”

Before coming to BYU, Darger was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Utah Valley University for six years where she worked as the recruiting, student affairs and basketball camps coordinator. In that role, she helped double the participation in UVU’s basketball camps and led the team’s recruiting efforts, which resulted in a conference regular season and tournament championship, as well as three conference tournament championship appearances. 

Prior to UVU, Darger worked as athletic director over girls sports at Timpanogos High School for two years and was a varsity girls basketball coach and school guidance counselor for four years. As the athletic director, she oversaw seven teams and guided students through academic eligibility requirements for graduation, college enrollment and NCAA eligibility.

Darger graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in family science in 2000. She earned her master’s degree in school counseling psychology in 2004, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

As a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Darger has served in many leadership positions within the local youth and adult organizations. 

The Boise, Idaho, native is one of five children and an aunt to 13 nieces and nephews.

Click HERE to lean more about the new members of the Young Women general board.