Though the global pandemic has put a pause on collegiate athletics competition, the Department of Athletics has begun to implement an ambitious new vision under Christine Lowthert, who was named director of athletics in June after serving as the interim director for nearly a year.
Building Upon Excellence
While Lowthert’s goal is to continue to build upon the success the department has earned in recent years, the University has developed an innovative plan that focuses on the continued development of student-athletes with strong academic credentials; increases the institution‘s competitiveness and recruitment opportunities; increases community engagement and fundraising goals; and enhances the student-athlete experience.
The new plan, Leading with Integrity, outlines a vision and values statement that promotes integrity and the holistic development of student-athletes. “Our new vision changes the way in which we think about achieving our goals,” Lowthert explained.
According to Lowthert, while Assumption already has been continuously recognized by the NCAA for its academic excellence, the institution’s academic goals have always been tied to an overall departmental expectation. “If we tailor that to each sport and expand our measurements beyond grade point average to items like retention and graduation rates, we can continue to enhance the student-athlete experience,” she said, adding that both earning a degree and having a competitive athletic experience are possible. “No student-athlete should have to choose between academics and athletics – there is a way where both can be achieved if we work together.”
Lowthert said that strong ties between academics and athletics are key in providing student-athletes with a balanced experience. In recent years, she has witnessed a deeper connection between faculty and coaches, and is looking forward to continuing to enhance that relationship.
Lowthert, who joined Assumption in 2014 as associate athletic director/compliance coordinator and senior woman administrator, is eager to continue pushing the department toward excellence. “It’s been a pleasure watching the department and programs grow and evolve over these six years,” she said. “Now, the exciting part is working with each coach to develop what they need to get their specific sport to the next level, like additional staffing, improved equipment, ilm software for video break- down, or a study space for student-athletes. Together, we will chart a path forward for each sport. Through this process, we can continue to build each program, based on the success they have developed over the past few years.”
The Greyhound Experience
In addition to re-evaluating how academic success is measured, Assumption will enhance the student experience through redefining what it means to be a Greyhound. “It isn’t enough to just win on the field,” said Lowthert. “If we aren’t demonstrating good sportsmanship, what have we really won? How we conduct ourselves in competition, in the classroom, and in society is vital to being a Greyhound. Together, we’ll define what it means to be a Greyhound.”
Though the suspension of fall competition has presented new challenges, Lowthert said there’s a silver lining: it’s providing the time for coaches, athletics staff, student-athletes, and others to collaborate in defining the Greyhound experience at Assumption. “It really has allowed us to take our time and develop an experience that everyone gets to be a part of, and in the middle of a pandemic, that’s really special to be able to come together in this way,” she explained.
Another aspect of a positive and fulfilling student-athlete experience lies in the physical facilities, something Lowthert recognizes will require substantial investments and fundraising. “Whether it’s outdated or we’ve outgrown it, our facilities need some improvements,” she said, explaining that in the last six years, the department has added nearly 200 student-athletes to its rosters, but the spaces – such as locker rooms and the sports medicine and strength and conditioning facilities – haven’t been adjusted to accommodate those larger groups. “We’re in the middle of a fundraising campaign to add turf to the baseball/soccer and softball fields. Those additional turf fields will significantly improve our student-athlete experience and allow the teams to continue to practice, even in New England weather.”
An Active and Engaged Community
To meet its increasing financial needs, the Department of Athletics will set minimum fundraising goals and increase its fundraising efforts by establishing a corporate sponsorship program. Prior to the pandemic, the department intended to expand its reach in the community by planning events to increase alumni and fan engagement while maintaining a commitment to community service.
“A really nice thing about Assumption is that we already have active and engaged alumni,” said Lowthert, adding that the department will provide tools to the coaches to increase and enhance communication with them.
Above all, Lowthert is a firm believer in the University’s mission of forming students who will use their gifts and knowledge to better the world in which they live, and considers athletics as one vehicle to achieve those goals. “At Assumption, the development of competitive and high-caliber programs, comprised of students who demonstrate key Assumption values, will provide an unsurpassed student-athlete experience that allows Assumption to serve as a model for institutions across the country. I look forward to further raising the institution’s profile, not only in the Northeast-10 Conference, but on a national level.”
