Westminster Athletic Department Roles Expand

The Westminster College Athletic Department promoted Matt Mitchell, Tracey Braden and Alysha Hodge as the school looks to support the ongoing efforts of enhancing the Westminster student-athlete experiences. Matt Mitchell will transition from athletic director into an expanded role as senior director of athletic advancement. Tracey Braden will assume the director of athletics role, and Alysha Hodge's role as sports information director was linked with the College's social media manager position.

Tracey and Matt will be tasked with taking our athletic program – one that just received the all-sports trophy for being the best athletic program in our conference – to the next level.

"With Tracey's passion and commitment to the Westminster values of academic and athletic integrity, and Matt's reputation and extensive knowledge of Westminster and NCAA III athletics, we have the winning combination to take our Blue Jay athletic teams to new heights," President Akande added.

President Akande went on to say: "Matt understands NCAA Division III athletics and will bring this to his new role in enrolling the support of our athletic programs from parents, friends, and alumni. His new role will be to position Westminster College athletics on a stronger financial foundation."

Mitchell will enter his 19th year with Westminster. He will continue as head men's basketball coach.

"I am extremely excited to pursue this great challenge in the next step of my Westminster career," said Mitchell. "Blue Jay athletics has become a source of pride for our current students and alumni. Our path to the recruitment of success-oriented student-athletes lies heavily upon the enhancement of our current facilities and the continued commitment to the overall student experience."

Tracey Braden will assume the director of athletics role on July 1. She will focus on improving the student's academic and athletic experiences, in addition to continuing to serve as head women's basketball coach. Over the past nine years, Tracey's women's basketball teams have become a model of high achievement both in the classroom and on the court. She will become the first female athletic director in Westminster College's history.

"I look forward to building on an already excellent athletic program – one that just recently earned the all-sports trophy for being best in its athletic conference this year," said Tracey. "People ask me why I've stayed here for almost ten years. It's because of the values, the mission and the people. I've been blessed to have been surrounded by amazing coaches, including Matt Mitchell who mentored me."

Lastly, the sports information director position was combined with the College's marketing department's social media function. SID Alysha Hodge will take on an expanded role in supporting the athletic teams' media communications and integrating that work with the College's social media strategy.

"Alysha's elevation is a good move for the institution, and we look forward to harnessing her talents for the benefit of Westminster," commented President Akande.

STORY COURTESY OF WESTMINSTER COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE