Zach Brake’s journey from graduate assistant to conference leader will be celebrated on one of the Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s (MIAA) biggest stages.
Newman’s associate athletic director for advancement and operations has been named the 2026 recipient of the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award by the MIAA. Brake received the honor March 5 during halftime of the 6 p.m. game at the MIAA basketball championships held at Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri.
The award was established in memory of longtime University of Central Missouri Director of Athletics Jerry Hughes. It recognizes a young administrator who embodies the conference’s core values of fair competition, academic success and service to others.
Nominees must be 35 or younger, serve in a full-time role for five years or less, and consistently demonstrate the MIAA’s W.E. C.A.R.E. principles — Wellness, Education, Compassion, Athletics, Respect and Engagement.
For Brake, the recognition came unexpectedly.
“I can’t say I operated every day looking for recognition,” he said. “That’s not what motivates me, but when the recognition did come, I was shocked. It’s humbling. It’s a recognition for the work that I’m empowered to do with the great team we have.”
From Ohio roots to Newman leadership
Originally from the Columbus, Ohio, area, Brake played baseball in high school before continuing at the collegiate level. After beginning his career at St. Joseph’s College, he transferred to Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in global management with an emphasis in supply chain operations management.
Following graduation, Brake hunted out graduate assistant opportunities and found one in athletic administration at Newman. Immediately, it felt like the right fit.
after graduating with his MBA
“Being at a Catholic institution was something I was very fond of,” Brake said. “It just felt like a home away from home before even coming here.”
As a graduate assistant in compliance, he gained hands-on experience working alongside Newman’s athletic leadership. After earning his MBA in 2021, Brake stepped into a full-time role as assistant athletic director for communications, later transitioning to assistant AD for marketing and communications before assuming his current associate AD role in October 2025.
He now also serves as chair of the MIAA basketball tournament committee — making his award presentation at the championship tournament even more fitting.
Relationships over recognition
While titles and responsibilities have grown, Brake says the most meaningful part of his career has been the relationships he’s built.
“I think I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve developed, whether it’s with colleagues or student athletes,” he said. “Seeing what happens next for our student athletes — what they go on to do in the real world — and keeping in touch with them has been the most transformational part for me.”
Newman Athletic Director Maureen Rohleder remembers hiring Brake as a graduate assistant and quickly seeing his potential.
“I was the lucky one who hired him as a GA and he moved very quickly up the ranks,” Rohleder said. “Very intelligent. He loves Newman. We just saw his potential.”
Rohleder noted that the department nominated Brake for the award last year and has watched him continue to grow into leadership roles since.
“We’re understaffed and we all do several jobs,” she said. “Zach has gone above what he’s paid to do. It means a lot that there’s still loyalty, and we have a lot of confidence in him and where he’ll go.”
She added with a smile that Brake recently became a father — another new chapter in a milestone year.
A fitting stage
The Rising Star Award winner is selected by MIAA athletic directors following nominations in the fall and discussion at the NCAA Convention in January. The recipient is announced in February and recognized during the MIAA basketball championships in March.
For Brake, being honored by his peers during the MIAA basketball championships makes the moment even more special.
“To be recognized by other peers in the conference — reversing the roles a little bit — it means a lot,” he said. “It’s really humbling.”
When asked what advice he would give to young professionals entering collegiate athletics, Brake offered a simple but powerful message.
“You don’t grow when you’re comfortable. Chase new experiences. Complacency kills. Embrace the change. Lean into it. And call your parents.”
Start your journey in the MBA program today!
Become an empowered graduate. Transform into leaders who change our society for the good of mankind.
