Have you ever wondered who’s the accomplished woman standing beside one of college football’s most talked-about coaches?
Sally Rychlak isn’t just known for her relationship with Lane Kiffin – she’s carved out an impressive career in university development that deserves recognition on its own.
Let me tell you about a woman who’s quietly making waves in higher education fundraising while managing life in the spotlight of college football.
Sally Rychlak Quick Facts
| Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Sally Rychlak |
| Age | 26-27 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Education | University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Business Administration, Marketing (2019) |
| Current Role | Major Gifts Officer at Southern Methodist University |
| Previous Roles | Development Associate, Development Officer at Ole Miss |
| Relationship | Lane Kiffin (public since August 2023) |
| Parents | Ron Rychlak (Professor), Claire Rychlak |
| Certifications | Front Office Sports NIL Certification |
| Social Media | @sallzr (Instagram), @SallyRychlak (Twitter/X) |
Sally Rychlak Personal Background
Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Sally Rychlak came from a family where academic achievement wasn’t just encouraged – it was the norm.
Her father, Ron Rychlak, brings serious intellectual credentials to the table as a distinguished professor and author with a Vanderbilt Law School degree from 1983.
With Claire Rychlak as her mother and five siblings surrounding her, Sally learned early that success comes from hard work and dedication.
The Rychlak family instilled values that would later shape Sally’s approach to both professional relationships and personal growth.
Her Memphis roots gave her that Southern charm you notice immediately, but don’t mistake it for anything less than sharp business acumen.
This academic family background created the perfect foundation for someone who’d later excel in university advancement work.
Academic Distinctions
St. Agnes Academy in Memphis was where Sally first showed her leadership potential during her high school years.
She wasn’t just going through the motions – she was already developing the interpersonal skills that would serve her well in development professional roles.
The foundation she built there prepared her for the rigorous academic environment she’d face at Ole Miss.
According to her LinkedIn, When Sally arrived at the University of Mississippi in 2015, she immediately stood out as someone special.
Her acceptance into the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College wasn’t just about good grades – it showed she could handle complex challenges.
Earning her Business Administration degree with a Marketing degree concentration in 2019 was just the beginning of her achievements.
Phi Kappa Phi membership came naturally to someone who consistently performed at the highest academic levels.
These weren’t just resume builders – they were stepping stones that prepared her for the university development world she’d soon enter.
Every honor and distinction reflected her commitment to excellence that would later impress SMU staff and donors alike.
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University Involvement at Ole Miss (2015-2019)
Picture this: a young woman balancing academic excellence with being an Ole Miss Cheerleader on game days.
Sally’s cheerleading timeline from 2015 to 2019 coincided perfectly with her undergraduate studies, showing remarkable time management skills.
Her school spirit wasn’t just about pom-poms and football games – it was about building connections that would last a lifetime.
As an Orientation Leader, she helped new students navigate their first college experiences.
Her role in the Student Marketing Association gave her practical experience in the field she was studying.
Alpha Kappa Psi membership connected her with other business-minded students who shared her professional ambitions.
The Delta Gamma sorority provided her with a network of strong, accomplished women.
Each collegiate activities experience taught her something different about leadership, teamwork, and building meaningful relationships.
These weren’t just fun college memories – they were building blocks for her future career in higher education fundraiser roles.
Sally Rychlak Professional Experience
Sally’s career trajectory reads like a masterclass in strategic professional development.
She didn’t just stumble into university development – she methodically built expertise in fundraising expert roles.
According to her 2024 LinkedIn profile, Sally Rychlak currently serves as a Major Gifts Officer at SMU, where she helps drive the university’s $1.5 billion “Ignited” campaign.
Her progression from intern to Major Gifts Officer shows someone who understands how to grow within an organization.
University of Mississippi (2018-2022)
Starting as an intern at the University of Mississippi Development Office in October 2018, Sally dove headfirst into donor cultivation work.
Her responsibilities included donor solicitation activities and managing the Advance database with precision.
She quickly mastered the art of donor pipeline management and stewardship deliverables that keep donors engaged.
Moving up to Development Associate for the School of Business in May 2019 showed her rapid growth.
Her work in alumni engagement and building philanthropic support networks impressed her supervisors.
The School of Pharmacy promotion to Development Officer in October 2021 came with managing 100+ major gifts prospects.
Her portfolio management skills shone as she developed customized strategies for each donor relationship.
Working on the university’s first capital campaign gave her experience with large-scale fundraising campaigns.
This educational fundraising experience at her alma mater provided deep insights into advancement strategy.
Pure Barre Instructor (Jun 2018-Jul 2022)
Running Pure Barre classes while maintaining her development career showed incredible work-life balance.
Teaching barre fitness classes several times a week required the same interpersonal skills she used with donors.
Her ability to modify workouts for different clients mirrored her talent for customizing donor approaches.
Creating social media promotion content for the studio developed her marketing skills outside the university setting.
This side role kept her connected to the Memphis community while building her professional network.
The experience taught her how to motivate people toward their goals – a skill that translates perfectly to donor relations.
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Sally Rychlak Personal Life
The relationship between Sally Rychlak and Lane Kiffin became public on National Girlfriend Day in August 2023.
Lane Kiffin’s girlfriend status thrust her into the spotlight of college football media coverage. In an August 1, 2023 post on Lane Kiffin’s Twitter/X account, the couple publicly confirmed their relationship with a National Girlfriend Day tribute featuring a photo of Sally Rychlak.
Their relationship timeline began when Kiffin was appointed Ole Miss head coach in 2020, though they likely met through university connections.
The Lane Kiffin public post on social media confirmed what many in the Ole Miss community already suspected.
Balancing a high-profile relationship with demanding SMU development team responsibilities requires serious time management skills.
Her athletic family background helps her understand the pressures and demands of collegiate sports.
The couple’s shared connection to Ole Miss Rebels athletics creates common ground beyond their romantic relationship.
She’s managed to maintain her professional identity while supporting Lane’s college football program career.
Their relationship shows how two accomplished professionals can support each other’s career ambitions.
Digital Presence
Sally’s LinkedIn profile showcases her professional achievements to over 500 connections in the development field.
Her Instagram handle @sallzr gives glimpses into her personal life while maintaining professional boundaries.
The Twitter/X account @SallyRychlak shows her engagement with sports media content and professional interests.
Her online professional network includes other development officers and SMU staff members.
Social media connections help her stay current with trends in both fundraising and college athletics.
She uses these platforms to share insights about educational fundraising and university advancement work.
Her professional growth is documented through posts about conferences like the CASE Summer Institute.
Smart social media promotion of her work helps build her reputation in the higher education community.
The balance between personal and professional content shows someone who understands digital boundaries.
Sally Rychlak Professional Impact
According to SMU’s official development staff directory, Sally Rychlak is listed as part of the Major Gifts team contributing to SMU Vision 2025.
Her focus on NorthEast market fundraising brings geographic diversity to SMU’s donor base.
Working alongside Eric Robinson, Molly Fauzio, and other SMU development team members, she’s part of a collaborative effort.
The $1.5B fundraising goal requires the kind of strategic thinking Sally brings to major gift relationships.
Her work with Principal and major donors directly impacts student scholarships and university resources.
SMU donor relations benefit from her experience managing complex prospect portfolios.
The World Changers Shaped Here campaign messaging resonates with donors who want to make lasting impacts.
Her institutional goals alignment skills help match donor interests with university needs.
SMU hiring decisions like bringing Sally aboard show the university’s commitment to top talent.
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Sally Rychlak Notable Characteristics
Sally’s Front Office Sports NIL Certification shows she stays current with changing college athletics regulations.
Her involvement in conferences like the 2023 CASE Summer Institute highlights her ongoing commitment to professional development in the fundraising field.
The LEAP Graduate Fellow designation for Spring 2025 recognizes her potential for leadership roles.
Her marketing innovation background helps her approach donor relationships with fresh perspectives.
Professional connections across multiple universities give her insights into best practices in advancement work.
Her ability to balance Lane Kiffin relationship publicity with professional discretion shows emotional intelligence.
The development career trajectory from intern to Major Gifts Officer happened faster than typical timelines.
Her interpersonal skills shine in both donor meetings and team collaboration settings.
Campus leadership experience during college prepared her for the complex dynamics of university advancement.
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Conclusion
Sally Rychlak represents the new generation of development professionals who combine traditional relationship-building with modern marketing insights.
Her journey from Ole Miss Cheerleader to SMU Major Gifts Officer shows how diverse experiences create well-rounded professionals.
The fact that she’s known as Lane Kiffin’s girlfriend shouldn’t overshadow her independent professional achievements.
Her fundraising expert skills will serve her well as she continues advancing in higher education careers.
Sally Rychlak proves that you can support your partner’s high-profile career while building your own professional legacy.
Sally Rychlak continues making her mark in university development while supporting one of college football’s most recognizable coaches, proving that successful relationships can elevate both partners’ professional achievements.
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