SP Athletics Names Elizabeth “Beth” DeBauche as Newest Partner
Overland Park, Kan. – July 28, 2026 – SP Athletics is pleased to announce Elizabeth “Beth” DeBauche as its newest Partner, bringing more than three decades of distinguished leadership in intercollegiate athletics, conference administration, institutional governance, and NCAA leadership to the firm’s executive team.
DeBauche was recently appointed Executive-in-Residence and Lead Faculty for Undergraduate Sport Management in the Kinesiology Department at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.
As the Commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) from 2009 to 2025, she led significant growth and innovation across the Division I conference. During her tenure, she secured the three largest media rights agreements in league history, including the OVC’s transition to ESPN+, expanded conference membership, modernized governance, and elevated the league’s national profile.
A longtime advocate for student-athlete success, she also championed leadership development, enhanced student-athlete representation in governance, and advanced well-being initiatives while overseeing record academic and postseason achievements.
I am excited to join Tom Jacobs, Jon LeCrone and Steve Snodgrass as a partner in SP Athletics, said DeBauche. Having worked alongside them as an advisor, I saw firsthand the caliber of work this team delivers, and I’m delighted to take this next step as we build and scale our consulting efforts in intercollegiate athletics, with a continued focus on bringing quality work to our clients. It’s a privilege to partner with friends and professionals I respect for their insight and integrity, and to share in their vision and commitment for the future of the industry.
A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, DeBauche earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and her Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School. She remains active in national and regional leadership, including her service as the Chair of the Nashville Sports Council (where she currently serves as chair) and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Trustee Council.
What They’re Saying:
It’s with over-the-top pride, Tom, Jon, and I announce Beth DeBauche as our new addition as a Partner to SP Athletics. I’m personally grateful to add her to our Team for purpose of serving our client’s everyday challenges in the ever-changing environment we’re experiencing. – Steve Snodgrass, Founding Partner, SP Athletics
Beth DeBauche is a colleague, a talented executive, and a trusted friend. Her background and experience in college sports, her legal acumen, and her personal relationships add tremendous value to SP Athletics as we chart our course for the future. The opportunity to work daily with Beth will be a great privilege. – Jon LeCrone, Partner, SP Athletics
Having known and worked with Beth previously, I am excited that she will be bringing her immense talents and incredible background and experience in college athletics to our partnership group with SP Athletics. Having Beth in this role with SP Athletics will be of great benefit to our firm and especially to those clients with whom we partner. – Tom Jacobs, Founding Partner, SP Athletics
About SP Athletics:
SP Athletics is a specialized Sports Consulting and Recruiting, Executive Search and Leadership Development firm founded in 2001. We work with college athletic departments, and within the tennis industry on consulting projects and to recruit coaching, director and other sports industry positions. Our portfolio of clients includes institutions and domestic and international organizations of all sizes representing a wide range of vertical markets.
The SP Athletics team includes dedicated, uniquely experienced Partners. These professionals have held positions as top-level intercollegiate athletic administrators, head coaches and student athletes. Our efforts are supported by thought-leading Allied Partners who help to extend our consulting services and networking reach.
For more information, please visit: https://snodgrasspartners.com/ or contact Tom@sp-athletics.com.
