Jessica Atthowe
Assistant Athletic Director,
Student-Athlete Academic Services
San Diego State University
Connect with Jessica:
LinkedIn Bio
QUICK FACTS:
Events: NCAA
Years in Sports: 10
Fueled by: Tacos and chocolate chip cookies
Inspired by: Witnessing, or helping, someone reach their goal(s)
Energized by: Being by the ocean.
POWER OF INFORMATION AND CONNECTION….
Jessica’s career path has been guided by curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for helping others succeed. A former volleyball player and coach, she built her career across accounting, compliance, academic services, and campus administration before stepping into her current leadership role at SDSU. Each step along the way, she discovered more about her own strengths and gained valuable institutional knowledge. Each opportunity emerged from the relationships and connections she cultivated throughout her journey.
Jessica recognizes that while she and her staff share a common passion, their motivations can be vastly different, making leading her staff an exciting challenge. In an industry where constant change requires flexibility, she believes success comes from staying ready to pivot both in managerial style and workplace demands.
A piece of advice that Jessica carries with her is the power of an informational interview. This is one of the most powerful tools for learning and career development, helping individuals explore paths without having to experience every role firsthand. Equally important is the wisdom she gives that a career should be part of a fulfilling life, not its entire identity. For Jessica, personal happiness and meaningful connections matter just as much as professional success.
BEYOND THE EVENTS:
“Pinch me, is this real?” That is what Jessica thinks every time she plays beach volleyball at night as the sun sets over her beloved ocean. That moment is one of the many she loves about her city and life outside the office.
San Diego is her #1 city and not just because she lives there. Jessica enjoys being by the coast, trying new restaurants, and the many opportunities San Diego offers.
She also loves living in a neighborhood that values fitness and well-being as much as she does.
Jessica’s favorite event memory is attending the first round of the Women’s Basketball NCAA Tournament when SDSU played at LSU. It was surreal to witness the fandom and entertainment that surrounds LSU women’s basketball first hand.