Lauren Leister (pronounced: LEE-ster) (formerly Freeman) serves as deputy athletics director and chief operating officer / senior woman administrator (SWA). She oversees the day-to-day operations of FGCU Athletics and participates in strategic planning for the department. Leister also oversees several sport programs and is a key member of the department leadership team.
 
She joined the Eagles in August 2020 and previously served as associate athletics director for Internal Affairs / SWA and as assistant athletics director for financial operations. 
 
Leister spent five years at the University of Georgia Athletic Association, where she worked as assistant director of business operations. She helped oversee an organization-wide operating budget of over $150 million, forecast capital facility projects and managed insurance and electronic financial operating systems. Prior to that, she served as the volleyball operations coordinator for two years.

Leister earned a bachelor's degree in sport management and a master's degree in organization development at the University of Georgia.
 
Leister has been selected for a number of honors and development programs throughout her career:
•    2018-19 University of Georgia Athletic Association Dewey Dean Employee of the Year Award
•    2019 Women Leaders in College Sports Institute for Administrative Advancement
•    2021 TopConnect AD Leadership Symposium
•    2022-23 DI-AAA Mentor Program
•    2023-24 NCAA Pathway Program
•    2025 NACDA Senior Administrators Mentoring Institute

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Lauren lives in Estero with her husband, Casey and daughter, Blakely. Blakely recently won the FGCU basketball halftime baby race in December of 2025.

Last updated 4/20/2026