Alexandra Novak, the new Athletics Director for both the YULA Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions, grew up in Agoura Hills, California, where she attended Agoura High and was a three-sport varsity athlete, playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. Ms. Novak then studied psychology and communications at San Diego State University and was an NCAA Division I rower for the school. After graduating, she studied in seminary in Neve Yerushalayim and received a master’s degree in sports management at Indiana University. 

After beginning her career in sports management at UCLA, Ms. Novak received a prestigious position with the Los Angeles Clippers. There, she championed her long-envisioned project of Jewish Heritage Night, an evening dedicated to the celebration of Jewish Heritage on the last night of Chanukah. Coincidentally, during this event, she met members of the YULA staff and student body, who were participating in the event for the very first time. After receiving an offer to work with the 49ers, she began working as a premium sales manager, handling big-ticket events such as the Superbowl. After transitioning to a job with the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), Ms. Novak realized it was time to pass on her experiences and knowledge to others through teaching high school students.

From a young age, Ms. Novak was always drawn to sports. She explains, “growing up, sports was my life. My coaches and teammates made such an immense impact on my life that I wanted to give back and make that same impact on others.” To pursue this dream, she started working as the athletics director for YULA Girls, in addition to teaching a sports management program at Indiana University. Since then, the YULA Girls athletics program has grown exponentially, from 50 athletes when Ms. Novak began to over 120 this past year. 

Under her leadership, the Boys’ Division added a new cross country team. New equipment has been purchased, coaches hired, and more opportunities for YULA students to participate in sports are being created. With Ms. Novak at the helm, now is the perfect time for YULA students to get involved in YULA athletics.