Eliana Armijos ’03, MS ’13 has a story of resilience, passion and innovation—following a journey that began at Adelphi University and has evolved into a groundbreaking role in the world of sports technology.
From the basketball court to the cutting-edge tech world, her path exemplifies how dedication to both education and personal growth can shape a meaningful career.
When Armijos chose to attend Adelphi University, the decision was simple. With a competitive athletics program and a distinctive undergraduate program in sport management, it was the ideal environment for someone passionate about the business of sports. “It was easy to see the value in a place that offered both academic rigor and a thriving athletics community,” she said.
Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned
Armijos’ time at Adelphi was marked by unforgettable moments that shaped her both as an athlete and a leader. The highlight of her student-athlete experience came during the 2001–2002 season, when the women’s basketball team won the conference title and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. However, her path to the tournament was far from easy.
“I tore my ACL just before the tournament,” she shared. “But there was no way I was missing the Big Dance. I played through the injury, all while keeping a smile on my face.” The team finished the season ranked No. 14 in the country, a testament to their resilience and drive, qualities that Armijos carried with her throughout her career.
Her education went beyond sports, though. A technology course with Leah Fiorentino, MA ’91, EdD, sparked her interest in the tech world. “Dr. Fiorentino’s passion for integrating technology with education inspired me,” Armijos recalled. “We built our own professional websites using HTML code, and I later returned as her teaching assistant, which gave me a deeper understanding of technology.”
Leveraging Leadership Into a Career Path
Armijos was more than just a student-athlete. Under the mentorship of Coach Kim Barnes-Arico, she said, she learned vital leadership lessons that would guide her professional journey: “Coach Barnes-Arico had an unwavering enthusiasm that pushed us to give our best every single day. Her relentless drive to succeed left a lasting impact on me, and it influenced my own coaching and leadership style.”
It wasn’t just about athletics for Armijos; it was about discovering her voice and leadership potential. “Adelphi helped me define my leadership style and provided a foundation for my career in education,” she said.
Even after graduation, Armijos’ connection to Adelphi remained strong. In 2013, she returned to the University to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership and technology, further solidifying her commitment to growth and education.
A Life Fueled by Passion
After graduating from Adelphi, Armijos’ career path took her into the world of athletics administration. Her dream was to become an athletics director, and she made that dream a reality. “Adelphi instilled in me a love for what I do. When passion drives your work, it doesn’t feel like a job—it feels like you’re living your dream,” she reflected.
Her early career involved teaching physical education and coaching multiple sports, giving her invaluable experience in athletics development. In 2013, she was given the opportunity to build a brand-new high school athletics program from the ground up. Over 15 years, her leadership helped the program grow into a powerhouse, securing 35 championships in the process. “The most rewarding moments came when my students accomplished skills they once thought were impossible. Watching them believe in themselves was pure magic.”
However, in 2022, Armijos faced an unexpected setback when the new administration at the school reassigned her, and she faced an uncertain future.
From Setback to Startup: Embracing the Tech World
Armijos’ challenges led her down an entirely new path. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit she encountered at startup pitch events, she decided to combine her passion for technology with her love of athletics. In June 2023, she took a leap of faith. Armed with her newfound knowledge of coding and a desire to create solutions, she founded Next Athletics Pro, a platform designed to streamline the hiring process for athletics coaches. It allows them to create digital résumés with pictures, videos and audio, while employers can quickly find the right coach, reducing hiring time from days to minutes.”As an athletics director, I faced the challenge of filling coaching positions in the middle of a season,” Armijos explained. “Next Athletics Pro was born out of that need—creating a marketplace that connects coaches and employers more efficiently.”
Today, as CEO and founder of Next Athletics Pro, she leads the charge in revolutionizing the way sports organizations connect with coaches. “Having experienced both sides of the industry, I understand the challenges coaches and employers face,” she said. “Now I work with my tech team to continuously enhance the platform and expand our reach.”
Her proudest accomplishment remains her work in building a new athletics program from the ground up, but her latest venture brings her full circle—combining her love of sports with her growing expertise in technology.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Armijos continues to be an advocate for education and community involvement. She has organized events like a varsity basketball doubleheader at the Barclays Center and donated used uniforms to children in Cameroon, Africa. “It’s about creating impact both locally and globally,” she said.
For current and future Adelphi students, Armijos has simple but powerful advice: “Start each day with gratitude, and when you hit your lowest points, return to it. In the face of adversity, remember—you are in the driver’s seat. You can either choose to be a victim, or you can take control, transform your pain into power and carve your own path forward.”
Armijos’ achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, she was inducted into the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame, and she has received multiple awards for her leadership in athletics. Her journey from student-athlete to tech entrepreneur exemplifies the possibilities that await those who combine passion, dedication and a willingness to innovate.
Armijos’ journey is far from over, and as she continues to innovate at the intersection of sports and technology, her story will inspire future generations of Adelphi Panthers to reach for their dreams and never give up.