Monroe Made: Heather Lenoir Ervin

Current Role: Director of Student-Athlete Success and External Relations, Lady Vol Basketball Program, University of Tennessee

Heather Lenoir Ervin is a proud product of Monroe County Schools. She graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1995. She credits her teachers, coaches, and support staff with encouraging her to dream big and seize every opportunity. Her educational journey continued at Hiwassee College, where professors and advisors supported her not only as a student-athlete but as a person. Growing up in a small town taught her that one’s beginnings do not determine one’s potential.

Heather fondly remembers several educators who shaped her path, including French teacher Judy Shope, Economics teacher Eric Weaver, and guidance counselor Mickey Berrong, who first inspired her to pursue college. She also acknowledges the influence of her coaches, especially Coach Ed Clendenen, during her senior year.

Among her proudest accomplishments, Heather highlights becoming the woman her mother and grandmother raised her to be. Heather shared, “Everything I do is built on what they poured into me, and for that, I am deeply grateful.” Mentoring young women in athletics and guiding them through a pivotal time in their lives remains central to her purpose. 

Heather was recently inducted into the Sweetwater High School Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2024) for basketball and track. She was also the first female Assistant Director of Football Operations for the University of Tennessee Football Program and still holds nine Sweetwater High School track and field records that have stood for more than 30 years.

Heather Lenoir Ervin is, and always will be, Monroe Made.