Vinny O'Connor

Amick Retires After Serving Smiles to Eagle Nation for 40 Years

2/6/2025 3:30:00 PM | By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - For the past four decades, Sharon Amick has brought positivity, joy and a warm smile to the campus of Embry-Riddle. Those who ventured up to Embry-Riddle Athletics' offices on the second floor of the ICI Center can vividly recall the warm welcome offered by the West Virginia native as she greeted each person who came through the front office doorway and made them feel right at home.

"Sharon has been the face of the athletic department," said the Associate AD for Business Operations Maryellen Wynn, who is a longtime friend and coworker. "From the front desk, to her voice on the phone, her presence at the fan zones/VIP area, student-athlete banquets and galas, she has made a lasting impact."

However, after 40 years, Amick made the difficult decision to step away from her post last Thursday as she announced her retirement. She was honored for her decades of outstanding service during the basketball doubleheader against Lynn on Wednesday.

"I'm so grateful to have witnessed the growth of the university and to have the privilege of being around so many fantastic students throughout my time here," said Amick. "I'm definitely going to miss the daily interactions I had with the staff and students."

"I couldn't be more proud of her career," Embry-Riddle Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Ridder said. "When I think of that number, 40, it's staggering. You're in a league of your own. Who's working at the same institution or profession for four decades? Who does that these days? Nobody. I mean, it's just unheard of."

Amick began her tenure at Embry-Riddle on January 14, 1985, working in the personnel office at ERAU's Extended Campus, which is now known as Embry-Riddle Worldwide. From there she spent time working as an administrative assistant, an executive assistant to the vice president of academics, an executive assistant to the vice president of development, and an executive assistant to the chancellor of the Worldwide campus. Eventually, she found her way to the athletics department where she most recently was the executive assistant and special events manager.

Embry-Riddle Volleyball Head Coach Joslynn Gallop said, "From day one, when Sharon joined the athletic department, she had a contagious energy. Her smile was inviting and her words were kind."

"The athletic department here at Embry-Riddle for over three plus decades would absolutely not be the same if it wasn't for the dedication, loyalty, and hard work that Sharon has put in," remarked Ridder. "Sharon was always a great endorser of our program. We had to have people like Sharon who just got up every day and wanted to do whatever it took to make our program special. She was always a great teammate who was willing to get in the trenches and do some work. That's the kind of teammate you want."

Amick recalled the day Ridder joined the Embry-Riddle family and how they worked together to build the athletic department from the ground up.

"I feel very fortunate to have been present when Coach Ridder came on board to build the athletic program. To have seen it grow from nearly nothing to the well respected program it is today is truly special. There were a few of us admins that assisted him when he didn't have a staff by organizing pep rallies, bonfires, and making signs."

Embry-Riddle's Director of Athletics, Rachel Burleson, added, "Her impact on our coaches, staff, and student-athletes is tremendous. One of the first questions I get when speaking with alum is 'How is Ms. Sharon?'. She is a staple in the Eagle Community. There is no doubt we would not be where we are today without her keeping the team on track!"

Amick's impact on each program and its student-athletes cannot be understated, especially during men's basketball's most successful season.

"We dreamed about bringing a national championship to this university," said Ridder. "In 2000, we're out in Branson, Missouri with tons of fans, the pep band, trustees, the university's president, and parents. The championship run was magical. But it was what was happening behind the scenes with this magical team. Event after event, Sharon spearheaded the celebration of the national championship."

At the same time, the impact was also more direct. Amick was the Eagles' version of Sister Jean.

"I think she really enjoyed the experience when we won the national title," continued Ridder. "We had the Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year that season in Jason Cruse and the business student of the year, Yon Price. They were two of the greatest leaders I've ever had. There was a bond between those two dudes who led us to a national championship and Sharon. They had to have some kind of conversation and a hug before each game. Even in the Final Four when they said, 'Man, where's Ms. Sharon? Where is she? She's got to give us our hug and our encouragement.' She sent somebody back to tell them and they said, 'That's not good enough. You tell her to come back here and do it.'"

Senior Jaden McBride of Embry-Riddle Volleyball also recounted the positive impact Amick had on her team.

"Sharon impacted me and my teammates by putting a smile on our faces and lifting our moods every time we saw her. We pass Sharon as we go to our coaches' offices, and we talk about how seeing her calms us and adds happiness to our day. She always tried to make it to our home games, but I found it special that she watched the away games as well. Going up to watch film the day after an away game, she would tell me that she watched us play and gave positive insights on the game."

Ask anyone on campus who's had an interaction with Amick, and they all will give relatively the same answer as to the type of person she is - kind, caring, thoughtful and fun.

"She's fun, kind, nice, lovable, compassionate and real," said Ridder. "She has a motherly-like personality, and that's what her greatest asset is. The connection that she has had with our student-athletes. Many of them would come up and spend time with her just to be able to tell her how they're doing. She was one of the moms of our team. And honestly, college athletes missed their moms. She could help them with that role, and she loved every bit of it."

Gallop added to that by saying, "Ms. Sharon has impacted me as an extended family member. I've always seen her as my favorite grandmother who is loving to all and shares her wisdom. When I had my first child, Jeffrey, she was the first to help me with him by offering her love and support. I always looked forward to seeing her every day and will miss seeing her face as I enter the office."

"I would describe Sharon as sweet and caring," replied McBride. "No matter what, we can count on her to ask about our days and lives, give us compliments on our accomplishments, and check in on us overall."

Even Burleson noted the impact Amick had on her in their brief time together since she took over as the Director of Athletics back on July 1, 2024.

"When I came in for my interview, Sharon's smiling face and southern accent immediately made me comfortable. I know everyone felt the warmth the moment they walked into our offices. I will forever be grateful for Sharon staying on during my transition to ERAU. Her knowledge, love, and passion for our success is second to none. Her attention to honor the past, while still being excited for the future, is one reason Embry-Riddle Athletics has continued its path toward excellence."

It's hard for Amick to pinpoint one memorable moment, which is understandable considering the duration of her tenure. However, she says she will always recall the bus trips to away games, serving as a women's soccer honorary coach, preparing and hosting men's basketball pre-game meals, attending national tournaments, developing close relationships with many student-athletes, and Embry-Riddle Women's Basketball's inaugural game.

Amick believes the future is bright for Embry-Riddle Athletics, and that she will, now and forever, be an Eagle.

"The athletic staff and the student-athletes have impacted me by assuring that 'our' future is in the right hands. I am PROUD to be an Embry-Riddle Eagle."

Ridder noted, "One thing that sticks out that makes me so proud is if you were to ask Sharon how the university athletic program impacted her life, I think she would have a big smile on her face and wouldn't want it any other way. She would be able to say these are some of her very best friends in her life."

Though Amick will no longer be a 9-to-5 staple at the entrance of the athletic offices, she will continue to be a key supporter at basketball games, reminding the Eagles to take their time during free throws, and plans on making appearances at various other home events.

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