Utah State University Athletics

Tony Hearrell is in his second year as senior associate athletics director of compliance and student-athlete services. The 2026-27 academic year marks the ninth year he has been a member of the athletics department.

In his role, Hearrell influences name, image and likeness (NIL) regulation, assist with cap management and oversees the implementation of the House settlement terms, ensuring that Utah State meets the requirements in the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. He also has responsibilities as a sports administrator for softball, track & field, and men's golf and serves as a member of the athletics executive team.

Hearrell leads the day-to-day operations of the compliance department, including risk management monitoring, preparing and submitting NCAA and Pac-12 waivers, investigating and submitting violations, reviewing and updating policies and procedures, overseeing rules education, interpretation and roster management for all 16 NCAA Division I sports. He has oversight of the student-athlete academic services team, ensuring that Utah State student-athletes receive a well-rounded educational experience.

Before his promotion, Hearrell served the department as associate athletics director for compliance since May 2023 and joined Utah State in March 2018 as assistant athletics director for compliance. He spent six months as a compliance intern at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Hearrell graduated with honors from Mars Hill College in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. During this time, he was also a student-athlete in the baseball program. He then continued his education at Coker College, earning a master's degree in collegiate athletic administration in 2018.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., Hearrell and his wife Kelsey have one daughter, Fenley Grace.