UPDATED Augut 17, 2026
Erika (Ryskamp) WallErika (Ryskamp) Wallace was named Director of Athletics at Wayne State University in June 2023 and is the first woman to lead the department. A member of the President’s Cabinet, Wallace oversees one of the nation’s largest NCAA Division II athletics programs, including 19 varsity sports and approximately 450 student-athletes. Since assuming the role, Wallace has focused on strategic growth, revenue generation, investment in facilities and infrastructure, expanded partnerships, competitive and academic excellence, and an enhanced student-athlete experience.
Under Wallace’s leadership, Wayne State Athletics has significantly expanded its external revenue opportunities and strengthened its financial position. Overall generated revenue has increased approximately 200 percent over the past three years, driven in part by the strategic use of Wayne State’s athletic facilities for external events, tournaments, community organizations and partnerships. Wallace has also continued to expand corporate and community relationships throughout Detroit and the region.
Wallace spearheaded the strategic expansion of Wayne State Athletics through the addition of women’s soccer, an initiative she identified, developed and advanced through University approval. The addition, Wayne State’s first new varsity sport in more than a decade, expands the department to 19 programs — 11 women’s and eight men’s. Women’s soccer begins competition in Fall 2026.
Significant investment in Wayne State’s athletic footprint has accompanied that growth. During Wallace’s tenure, Athletics has advanced millions of dollars in capital improvements, including development of the Wayne State Soccer Complex, significant improvements to the Matthaei Natatorium, softball facility renovations, locker room enhancements and additional projects across the athletic campus. Wallace has approached these investments as both enhancements to the student-athlete experience and strategic assets capable of expanding partnerships, generating revenue and increasing engagement with the University and Detroit community.
As a member of Wayne State University’s President’s Cabinet, Wallace contributes to institution-wide strategy and decision-making and works collaboratively with leaders across the University. Cross-campus and external partnerships have become a hallmark of her leadership, allowing Athletics to leverage institutional and community resources while creating opportunities that extend beyond the department.
Wallace’s leadership has driven measurable progress across competitive performance, academics and community engagement. After Wayne State finished 44th nationally in the NACDA Directors’ Cup standings among 302 NCAA Division II institutions in her first full year as Director of Athletics, the Warriors improved to 39th nationally in 2025. Wayne State also improved from 16th to 11th nationally in community engagement according to Helper Helper.
Academically, Warrior student-athletes set a school record with 85 perfect 4.0 term GPAs during the Winter 2026 semester. In Winter 2026, student-athletes posted a 3.40 term GPA and a 3.49 cumulative GPA, continuing the department’s strong record of academic achievement.
Student-athlete development and well-being have remained central to Wallace’s leadership. She established Wayne State Athletics’ first dedicated mental health and wellness position and has since expanded the department’s resources through innovative partnerships across the University. A partnership with Wayne State’s School of Social Work established Athletics as a practicum site, creating opportunities for graduate-level social work students while expanding direct mental health and wellness support for Warrior student-athletes.Â
Wallace also launched a partnership with 925Leaders focused on leadership, character and culture development and has continued to strengthen academic and student support services throughout the department.
Externally, Wallace has expanded Wayne State Athletics’ reach through corporate, community and professional sports partnerships. She secured the department’s first sports marketing partnership with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, making Wayne State the first NCAA Division II institution to establish such a relationship with the organization. She also oversees Athletics’ relationship with the Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate, and previously negotiated Wayne State’s apparel partnership with BSN SPORTS and Nike.
Wallace’s leadership extends nationally. She serves on the Board of Directors for Women Leaders in Sports, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing women in the sports industry. She also completed four years of service on the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee, including serving as national chair and helping oversee the administration of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship.
In 2026, Wallace received the Michigan American Council on Education Women’s Network Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award, the organization’s highest honor, recognizing her leadership and contributions to higher education.
Wallace joined Wayne State in 2019 as Athletics Chief of Staff and later served as Senior Woman Administrator. She played a key leadership role in the opening and operational development of Wayne State’s $28.5 million Fieldhouse, which has become an important asset for Athletics, the University and the Detroit community.
Prior to Wayne State, Wallace spent nearly 11 years at Grand Valley State University, where her career spanned university administration and intercollegiate athletics. After holding leadership positions in admissions and financial aid, she transitioned to Athletics in 2016 as Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, overseeing areas including NCAA compliance, budgets, scholarships, sport programs and departmental operations.
Wallace earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. A four-year letterwinner and team captain for the Lakers’ women’s basketball program, she helped lead Grand Valley State to the 2006 NCAA Division II National Championship. Wallace scored more than 1,400 career points and was inducted into the Grand Valley State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.
Wallace and her husband, Marcus, a former Grand Valley State basketball student-athlete, have two daughters, Sydney and Marley.
