Athletics: General – Department Structure and Goals

The Athletics Department is committed to serving the students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni of St. Mary’s University. Our existence is focused upon providing the student-athlete with quality experiences through athletic competition within an environment of academic, physical, emotional and faith development.

St. Mary’s University Athletics Philosophy Statement

St. Mary’s University Athletics recognizes athletics as an integral part of the total education experience. The Athletics Department’s primary responsibility is to the student-athletes’ academic success and overall health and well-being. Consistent with the mission of the institution, the intercollegiate athletics program philosophy serves to support the Marianist approach to education:

• Educate for formation in faith
• Provide an integral quality education
• Educate in the family spirit
• Educate for service, justice and peace
• Educate for adaption and change

St. Mary’s University will maintain institutional control of intercollegiate athletics at all times by vesting with the President the responsibility and authority for the administration of the Athletics Department including all basic policies, personnel and budget. The intercollegiate athletics program shall be conducted with the highest ethical standards as well as standards reflecting good sportsmanship by practicing such values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. Athletics policies and procedures are committed to enhancing the lives of St. Mary’s students, promoting awareness of athletics, and fostering positive interactions between faculty, staff, and student-athletes, as well as promoting and enhancing support and pride among students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the intercollegiate athletics program. At the conclusion of their well-rounded academic and athletic career at St. Mary’s University, student-athletes will be prepared for meaningful personal and professional lives.

Additionally, St. Mary’s University subscribes to the NCAA Principles for Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics listed in

NCAA Bylaw 20.10.

Goals and Objectives

St. Mary’s University Athletics strives to:

• Provide support services that promote academic health, retention and graduation from St. Mary’s University
• Each team should strive to compete at a high level throughout the playing and practice season. Our teams will compete on the regional and national level for championship honors.
• An efficient and cost-effective support system for the operation of the existing athletics program should be developed and maintained.

Department Structure

The St. Mary’s University Athletics Department is comprised of many individuals acting together to achieve one common goal.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

The Director of Athletics is responsible for the administration and management of the Department of Athletics in a manner that is consistent with the mission of the University. The Director of Athletics is responsible for overseeing the University’s programs for intercollegiate sports, club sports, intramural sports and recreational activities, as well as athletics facilities. The Director of Athletics is expected to provide the leadership necessary to achieve and maintain a successful athletics program, ensure compliance with all governing authorities and establish a strong and positive presence at the local, regional and national levels. The Director of Athletics must be committed to the mission of St. Mary’s University. The Director of Athletics reports to the University President.

SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR

Serves as an additional resource for student-athletes and staff with comments or concerns. She is responsible for ensuring gender equity within the department as well as providing an overall positive experience to staff and student-athletes. The SWA reports to the Director of Athletics. 

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR EXTERNAL OPERATIONS

Oversees all strategic communications for St. Mary’s athletics teams, including media relations, social media, marketing, promotions, and branding and licensing. He also supervises all outward-facing initiatives such as the web site, Rattler Network, ticket operations, the team store, and also assists the Director of Athletics with seeking sponsorships and corporate partners. The Associate AD for External Operations reports to the Director of Athletics.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Serves as the primary contact between the athletic department, University and the NCAA. S/he is responsible for all monitoring and education of the NCAA, LSC and University rules. He also serves as the Department of Athletics liaison to the Office of Financial Assistance and Admissions Office. The Associate AD reports to the Director of Athletics. 

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR CREATIVE MEDIA AND MARKETING

Serves as the primary contact between the athletic department, University, media and community with regards to all things dealing with marketing, social media, broadcast media and special projects. The Assistant Director of Athletics reports to the Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations. The Graduate Assistant for Marketing, public address announcers and student workers within marketing report to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Creative Media and Marketing.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Serves as the monitor and enforcer of the department budget and each sport budgets. S/he is responsible for monitoring and reconciling the athletic department budget. S/he are also the contact for coaches and staff to ensure the respective budgets are followed. The Assistant Director of Athletics for Administration and Business Operations reports to the Director of Athletics.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS

Serves as the primary contact for all game-day activities including job distribution of work-study students. The Assistant Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations is responsible for official coordination and facility maintenance as directed. S/he is responsible for the ordering of all St. Mary’s athletics equipment and apparel. S/he works closely with the Assistant Director of Athletics for Administration and Business Operations in monitoring and enforcing the budget. This position reports to the Director of Athletics. Event and game day workers report to Assistant Director of Athletics for Facilities and Operations.

HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

Serves as the primary source of medical attention for the student-athletes. The Head Athletic Trainer reports to the Director of Athletics. Assistant and Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers report to the Head Athletic Trainer.

ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Serves as the primary contact for all statistical coordination and athletic communications for all St. Mary’s teams. Athletics Communication Director reports to the Associate AD for External Operations. Game day table crews report to Athletics Communications Director.

HEAD SPORTS PERFORMANCE COACH

Serves as the primary contact for developing and implementing year-round strength and conditioning programs for all St. Mary’s athletics teams that will instruct student-athletes on the proper physical, mental, spiritual, and academic development for optimal athletic performance. This position coordinates and manages the campus fitness areas that are available for use to student-athletes, students, faculty and staff. The Head Sports Performance Coach reports to the Director of Athletics and Associate Director, AA&CC/Campus Recreation. Assistant Sports Performance Coach reports to Head Sports Performance Coach.

HEAD COACH

Serves as the primary contact for their respective sport. S/he is responsible for the creation, development, budget, etc. of the respective team. The Head Coach reports to the Director of Athletics. Any Assistant Coach, Graduate Assistant or volunteer reports to the Head Coach.

FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE (F.A.R.)

Serves as the liaison between the Athletic Department and the Faculty. Conflicts between athletics and academics are resolved with the assistance of the F.A.R.