30/12/2024
At the conclusion of 2024 I’ve made the difficult decision to resign as the Director of Athletics at York University, I want to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together during this short but impactful period. I am so proud of the strides we’ve taken to strengthen our culture that supports our student-athletes and coaches under immense times of challenge & change in post-secondary sport. Some of the key highlights include:
1. Culture Change
When I arrived in February 2023, York was in a challenging position. The department had been without an Varsity Athletic Director since 2019, and combined with the impact of COVID-19, the culture had understandably suffered. Visibility became a cornerstone—being there for our student-athletes in their best and toughest moments. This helped lay the foundation for rebuilding a strong, supportive culture.
2. Coaching Hires
Over my tenure, we hired exceptional head coaches in Football, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Volleyball, and Women’s Rugby. Each has worked tirelessly to build strong cultures, recruit relentlessly, and develop their student-athletes both on and off the field.
3. Mental Health Collaboration
Recognizing a gap in mental health support, we partnered with Student Counselling, Health and Wellbeing to embed counselors within Athletics.
4. Fiscal Responsibility
Faced with financial challenges, we streamlined operations by reducing staff (8 full-time) while maintaining high levels of support for coaches and student-athletes.
5. Sporting Success
We celebrated many achievements, including Men’s Soccer placing 3rd in 2024, Football’s first win in five years and almost making playoffs for first time in 20 years, Field Hockey hosting national championship and earning 2nd in 2024, Men’s Volleyball’s national ranking in 2024, and Women’s Rugby’s earning Coach of the Year in 2024. All of our team’s finally have the right leaders to continue on their trajectories which I fully believe in.
I am incredibly thankful for those who offered me this opportunity our ED Steven Chuang and to my incredible team and Mandy! To the York Lions Pride, you inspire me everyday! Thank you!
Stay tuned!
