Bringing forth decades of multifaceted experience in high school, collegiate, and professional sports, McEwen is a seasoned expert in the sports industry.
McEwen holds a Bachelor of Science in Health & Sport Science and a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Oklahoma. During her undergraduate tenure, she served as a student athletic trainer, covering a spectrum of sports including football, women's basketball, and various University-hosted athletic championship events.
Her professional journey in sports management spans nearly two decades, primarily in professional football. Her roles encompassed team management, operations, communications, event coordination, fundraising, and sport entertainment. She held key positions such as General Manager of an Arena Football (AFL) team and later served as the League's COO. In team management, she directed game day operations, devised marketing strategies, led partnership and ticket sales initiatives, managed travel logistics, and ensured compliance with league regulations. McEwen also served as the liaison between the team and League office, ensuring adherence to league rules and regulations.
Her tenure as COO at the Arena Football League office involved overseeing day-to-day operations of member teams and pivotal involvement in crafting and implementing league policies. McEwen spearheaded national broadcast productions on major networks like ESPN, the NFL Network, and CBS Sports Network, reviewed expansion opportunities, secured national partnerships, managed licensing programs, and orchestrated championship events.
Presently, McEwen imparts her wealth of knowledge as an adjunct Sport Management professor at both Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Michigan) and Davenport University (Grand Rapids, Michigan). She concurrently serves as an independent contractor, offering expertise in game day operations, sales, and front office management training to teams and personnel throughout the sports industry.
For the past seven years, McEwen has called Grand Rapids her home, where her husband, Sparky McEwen, a lifelong resident, holds the position of Head Football Coach at Davenport University (NCAA Division II).
Sparky McEwen, recognized as the 2022 GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Coach of the Year, brings over three decades of coaching expertise, including 26 years at the helm as Head Coach.
His coaching expertise spans across high school, collegiate, and professional settings, where he has been dedicated to empowering and guiding student athletes and their families through the complexities of athletic opportunities.
Taking over the reins at Davenport University in February of 2017, McEwen's leadership catapulted the Panthers (NCAA Division II) into an impressive ascent. Under his guidance, the program swiftly secured qualifications for the NCAA Division II playoffs and achieved an AFCA national ranking as high as #9 in the country. Throughout McEwen's tenure, the Panthers have shown continuous improvement, excelling in statistical categories on both sides of the ball.
Prior to his role at Davenport University, McEwen spent five seasons at his alma mater, Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. As a former four-year starter from 1987-1990, McEwen showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and punt returner for the Bulldogs. His coaching tenure at Ferris State included roles as the passing game coordinator, receivers coach, pro liaison, and alumni relations liaison. He played a pivotal role in steering the Bulldogs to national prominence, contributing to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in NCAA Division II and the GLIAC, with a remarkable 28-game regular season win streak from 2013-2016. Additionally, the team reached the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2016.
Before returning to the outdoor field, McEwen spent more than a decade as a professional football player and coach in the Arena Football League serving with both the Grand Rapids Rampage and the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. His Arena Football journey began in 1998 as quarterback with the Grand Rapids Rampage, eventually transitioning to roles as the team's offensive assistant and pro scout in 2000. In 2001, McEwen was promoted to Rampage Offensive Coordinator. During his tenure as Offensive Coordinator, the team posted their three best offensive seasons from 2001-2003, which included an ArenaBowl XV victory in 2001. His strategic direction propelled the Rampage’s offense to unprecedented heights, outscoring every other team in the Arena Football League and accumulating more yards than any other team during that remarkable three-year span.
In 2004, McEwen assumed the role of Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. McEwen guided the expansion team to numerous offensive records and their first-ever playoff appearance, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. Following the triumphs of the 2004 season, McEwen’s prowess garnered widespread attention, leading him to accept the position of Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the Grand Rapids Rampage. Over a three-year span from 2005 to 2008, McEwen played a pivotal role in revitalizing the struggling franchise, contributing significantly to its turnaround. Subsequently, McEwen made a return to Oklahoma City, this time assuming the dual role of Head Coach and President of Football Operations. Tasked with rebuilding a struggling team, his leadership saw the OKC Yard Dawgz transform into a formidable force known for their potent offense and resilient defense. By 2009, under McEwen’s leadership, the team surged back to playoff contention, showcasing the impactful changes brought about by his strategic direction.
McEwen launched his coaching career by making a significant impact as the head coach of Creston High School’s football team in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Returning to his alma mater in 1996, he embarked on a transformative journey, elevating the struggling program into a perennial powerhouse. Under McEwen’s guidance, the Polar Bears experienced a remarkable resurgence, culminating in a memorable run to the state championship game in 1999. His tenure also saw the team secure three City League titles and achieve an impressive streak of six consecutive playoff appearances. Beyond the victories on the field, McEwen’s influence extended to the academic realm, with numerous high school student-athletes under his tutelage receiving NCAA Division I and Division II scholarship offers, paving the way for their collegiate careers. McEwen’s impactful leadership remained steadfast at Creston from 1996 to 2003, leaving an indelible mark on the program’s history.
Known for his astute national recruiting, McEwen selects student athletes with a blend of intelligence, athleticism, work ethic, and discipline, fostering their development as on-field leaders and off-field influencers.
Having coached thousands of athletes across amateur and professional levels, McEwen's extensive pro liaison experience facilitated the transition of numerous amateur athletes to professional football rosters in the AFL, CFL, XFL, USFL and NFL. His discerning eye for talent and player development has earned him credibility among professional scouts.
Currently residing in Grand Rapids with his wife Christie (Cook), McEwen also holds a position on the Executive Committee of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) and is a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).
Championship History
Professional Champion
- 2001 AFL World Champion
- 2001 American Conference Champion
- 2001 Central Division Champion
- 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2009 Playoff Qualifier
Collegiate Champion
- 2016 NCAA Division II National Semi-Finalist
- 2014 & 2015 GLIAC Champions
- 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2022 Division II Playoff Qualifier
High School Champion
- 1999 District, Regional & Quarter Finals Champions
- 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 Playoff Qualifier
- 2000, 2001 & 2002 Conference Champs
A.J. McEwen currently serves as Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator for Davenport University (NCAA Division II) and is one of the top young defensive coordinators in the country. He joined Davenport's football coaching staff in 2016 following a professional football stint with the San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League.
McEwen's prowess extends beyond the field and is characterized by his keen eye for talent. His adeptness in identifying and recruiting top-tier athletes from across the country has significantly contributed to the team's success. His strategic approach and ability to attract high-caliber talent has played a pivotal role in shaping Davenport University's football program.
McEwen is a former Ferris State University (Division II) standout where he was named an Academic All-American and was twice awarded All-GLIAC honorable mention. His senior season, he was named Preseason All-American and awarded the Mr. Bulldog Award. Notably, McEwen topped the GLIAC in interceptions and pass breakups during his junior season.
During his high school career at East Grand Rapids High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan McEwen showcased his exceptional athletic abilities, earning him First Team All-State honors in both football and basketball and two football state championships. Additionally, he was selected as a distinguished member of the 2015 National Football Foundation (NFF) Honor Society.
McEwen graduated from Ferris State University in 2014, earning a bachelor's degree in sports management and coaching. He further pursued education, attaining a master's degree in management from Davenport University. McEwen is a member of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).