PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University Athletics announced the hiring of Sherman Neal II as the new Strategic Initiatives Coordinator Wednesday morning.

Sherman is an honorably discharged United States Marine Corps Officer. His assignments included military justice and supporting infantry operations to include (2) deployments to the Middle East. He is a licensed attorney in Illinois and New Jersey. He has coached Division I football at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV), and most recently coached at Murray State University.

"Grateful for the opportunity to work with an elite institution to empower athletes to maximize their potential," said Sherman. "Together, we will partner with the greater Washington State University community to ensure we lead the nation in providing opportunities to develop the athletes we serve. Go Cougs!"

The Strategic Initiatives Coordinator position is made possible by Washington State men's basketball head coach Kyle Smith's generous support of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative. The coach driven initiative was initially started by Kentucky's John Calipari and Harvard's Tommy Amaker. The initiative is a step forward in the pledge by coaches around the country to promote social justice and fight racism. Coaches participating in the initiative are ambassadors of the program and will serve as mentors to the Future Leaders on their campuses.

"We are thrilled to add Sherman, his wife Rikki and their two children, Jett and Skyler, to the Cougar family," said Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer Bryan Blair. "Sherman's background as a Division I football student-athlete and coach, legal education and military experience will greatly add to the diversity of thought within WSU Athletics."

While at Murray State he was responsible for internal operations analysis, opponent scouting, and providing leadership to the wide receiver, running backs, and tight ends position groups. His auxiliary duties included community engagement, camp/clinic operation, on-campus recruiting, recruit evaluation camp/clinic operation, administrative support, fundraising/solicitation, and player development

He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University where he competed as a Division I football player, Master of Science (MS) in Sports Business from Temple University, Juris Doctor (JD) from West Virginia University School of Law and is currently pursuing a Master of Law (LL. M.) in Sports and Entertainment Law from the University of Miami School of Law.

"College athletics is undergoing tremendous change at the moment, and as our Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Sherman will help ensure that we are positioned for continued success," Blair discussed. "Lastly, I'd like to thank Coach Kyle Smith for making this opportunity possible through his support of the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative. Without his support, adding someone of Sherman's caliber in this role would not have been possible."

All 12 Pac-12 head coaches signed on for a four-year commitment to the initiative, pledging funding and support that will go to establish athletics administration educational experiences for minority candidates on each campus. The initiative will provide minorities a jump-start to their careers through practical experiences, opportunities to build their network, and instilling the values of John McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership, and Mentorship. 

The Strategic Initiatives Coordinator will report directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics/COO, with regular interaction with the Director of Athletics and other senior leaders within the department.