Ricky Thrash joined Vanderbilt Athletics in 2021 as director of new student-athlete recruitment and transition programs. He currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Initiatives.

Thrash works closely with each coaching staff and guides all new student-athletes through the admissions, matriculation and initial eligibility processes.

Thrash serves as a liaison to offices across Vanderbilt’s campus, including the Office of Housing and Residential Experience, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, International Student and Scholar Services, and CommonVU Orientation Team.

Thrash worked for 12 years in the Vanderbilt Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

The Hogansville, Georgia, native is a 2007 graduate of Samford with a bachelor’s degree in history. After graduation, he worked at Samford as an admissions counselor from 2007-09.

Thrash and his wife, Kate, have two daughters — Janie and Nella.