YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Young Harris College has announced the promotion of Allie Craig Cruce to Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations, Vice President for Athletics and Student Engagement Emily Carella announced today. Cruce previously served as an assistant coach for the Young Harris College Women's Basketball program since July of 2024. 

"Allie represents the values we want reflected throughout our athletic department — energy, integrity, and a genuine investment in people. We're excited for her to step into this role and continue making a difference across our programs and throughout our community," stated Emily Carella. 

Cruce transitions into the administrative role after helping the Mountain Lions women's basketball program achieve tremendous success over the past two seasons. During her time on staff, Young Harris compiled a 44-17 overall record, including a program-record 22 wins during the 2025-26 season, while also helping develop the 2024-25 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year. 

In her role as assistant coach, Cruce was heavily involved in practice planning, player development, scouting reports, recruiting coordination, fundraising efforts, travel logistics, academic oversight, and community engagement initiatives. She also played a key role in organizing team operations and overseeing program events and campaigns. 

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Assistant AD for External Operations at Young Harris College and continue working within a department and community that already means so much to me," said Cruce. "I've seen firsthand the people, culture, and passion that make this place special. What drew me to this opportunity was the chance to continue building relationships across campus and within the community while contributing to the overall growth and vision of our athletic department. I'm excited to bring energy, creativity, and a strong work ethic to the staff while helping create meaningful experiences for our student-athletes, fans, alumni, and supporters. Go Mountain Lions!" 

Prior to arriving at Young Harris, Cruce served as Marketing & Fundraising Manager at One Club Gulf Shores from 2022-23, where she led digital marketing strategies, social media campaigns, event promotions, partnership initiatives, and customer engagement efforts. During her time there, she helped increase audience engagement, drive revenue growth and bookings, and expand community partnerships throughout the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. 

A native of Killen, Alabama, Cruce brings a diverse background in athletics, marketing, communications, operations, and leadership to her new role. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Master of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital and Social Media from the University of Alabama. While at Alabama, she was a member of the women's basketball program, earned SEC Honor Roll recognition from 2018-22, and was a three-time Dean's List recipient. 

Cruce also completed a Sport Administration internship with the University of North Alabama athletics department during the 2023-24 academic year while competing as a member of the women's basketball program. 

Allie will officially begin her role as Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations on June 1, 2026.