Erin Blecha enters her first year as the coordinator of marketing and promotions and external relations at Washington University in St. Louis.

Blecha is responsible for the development, implementation and coordination of the athletics marketing and promotions plan.

Blecha arrives on the Danforth Campus after earning her master's degree in communication from the University of Arizona in 2009.

She will also be the advisor of Red Alert, the student promotion group to increase student attendance at athletic events. Additionally, Blecha will coordinate in-game promotions and performances at selected events as well as assist with the W Club Golf event.

Blecha spent the past year as a student intern in the Arizona Athletics Marketing office. She developed and executed marketing and advertising plans for Arizona's women's soccer team, and managed staff and fan participants for soccer, basketball and football.

Blecha also served three months (April 2009-June 2009) as an intern for the Tucson Toros baseball team, and two months as an intern at NBC Sports (February 2009-March 2009).

A Woodridge, Ill., native, Blecha received her bachelor's degree in communication and psychology from Augustana College in 2007. She was a four-year letterwinner in track and field, and was an eight-time all-conference selection. Blecha was an NCAA national qualifier in the high jump in 2007.

Quick Facts About Blecha

Years at WU: First

Previous Experience:
2008-09: Student Intern, University of Arizona
April 2009-June 2009: Intern, Tucson Toros
February 2009-March 2009: Intern, NBC Sports
May 2008-August 2008: Program Director, Downers Grove Park District
October 2005-May 2007: Program Assistant, Augustana College

Playing Career: Four-year letterwinner in Track and Field at Augustana College; Eight-time all-conference selection; NCAA national qualifier in high jump in 2007.

College Education: Bachelor's degree in communication and psychology from Augustana College, 2007; Master's degree in communication from University of Arizona, 2009.