Westminster University announced today that Shelley Jarrard is the next Director of Athletics, the first woman to lead the Westminster Griffins in the university’s history. Jarrard will oversee the university’s NCAA Division II women and men’s teams in basketball, cross-country and track, golf, lacrosse, soccer, along with women’s volleyball. Jarrard will provide leadership for a host of nationally competitive mountain sports teams in freeski and snowboard, and climbing, along with club sports and intramurals in the Athletics portfolio.
Jarrard has been an integral leader in Westminster athletics for nearly 15 years, taking the reign as Interim Director of Athletics last year. Previously, Jarrard led the Westminster women's basketball team to national prominence in 10 years as its Head Coach, transitioned from coaching to an administrative role as Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women's Administrator in 2021.
“Jarrard is a fierce competitor and standout athletics administrator with a student-centered approach to building that perfect NCAA Division II program that foregrounds ‘life in the balance’,” said Dr. Jessica Brazell-Brayboy, Vice President for Student Affairs and Athletics. “Shelley has a reputation that inspires confidence, excellence, and integrity amongst all Griffins and especially our student-athletes and the team she leads.”
In her elevated role as Director of Athletics, Jarrard will be focused on strengthening community partnerships to increase support and engagement with both businesses and alumni to foster a sense of pride and investment in the athletics program. Jarrard is also focused on empowering Westminster’s student-athletes to build leadership skills, ensuring that they not only excel in their sports but also grow as individuals and leaders in their communities.
“Westminster has a proud tradition of excellence in collegiate athletics, and I am honored to align our efforts with the university’s mission and strategic goals. My priority is to place student-athletes at the center of everything we do, ensuring they receive the same high-quality experience in athletics that they do in the classroom, while fostering a unified department committed to supporting their success both in competition and in life,” said Jarrard. “I’m grateful to Westminster for their support and trust in my leadership.”
Westminster’s athletic program, part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association (Alpine Skiing), and the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (Freeski and Snowboard) is an integral part of campus life. Nearly 300 [ES1] [SJ2] student-athletes compete annually, representing nearly 1 in 4 Westminster students. The athletic program has experienced both regional and national success over the years, with national championships, national tournament appearances, conference titles, All-Conference and All-American academic and athletic honors, along with 10 Olympic medals. The athletic program has a rich tradition, storied history, and many athletic alumni dating back to 1928.
Jarrard will begin her appointment as Athletic Director effective immediately.
