The University of Delaware’s search for a new Athletic Director is over.
Christine Rawak is stepping into the AD’s office.
Incoming UD president Dennis Assanis introduced the 46-year old Rawak Friday afternoon at the Bob Carpenter Center. He says she was the candidate left standing after reviewing 95 applications – and winnowing that list down to 3 finalists.
“She’s the complete package because she not only knows about fundraising, but she knows about alumni relationships, knows about the power of communication, She knows about crisis management. She was a student-athlete. She was a coach. She knows how to pick talent. She knows how to hire people. She knows how to fire people. These are the kinds of things I was looking for,” said Assanis.
Rawak comes from the University of Michigan where she served as a senior associate athletic director and was heavily involved in fundraising.
“Obviously, as the president mentioned, fundraising is important. It is an opportunity that we have control over," said Rawak. "We did not speak about specifics or facilities, but fundamentally I understand its important. It’s important at Michigan. It’s important everywhere, especially based on what’s happening with college athletics as a whole.”
But she says her first priority at is filling the Blue Hen’ vacant men’s basketball head coach position.
“I owe it to the young men in our basketball program, whom I met with a couple of hours ago, and it was an honor and a privilege to hear what they are looking for in this person that’s going to lead them," said Rawak. "And I promised them – and I promise all of you that I will work aggressively, but comprehensively to find them and this great university the best head coach.
Raywak is UD’s third athletic director since 2009 – and sixth overall. She is also woman to hold the position on a permanent basis.
She’ll officially start on the job June 5, but is eager to start getting to know the university and how best to elevate Blue Hen athletics.
"Though I have a lot to learn and listening to do, I will without a doubt tell you that we win win. We will win championships. We will graduate out student-athletes. We will serve the campus and community. And we will do all of it with integrity and class," said Rawak.
UD has need a new athletic director since Eric Ziady stepped down in December after just over three years on the job.
Matthew Robinson, director of the UD’s Sport Management Program in the Lerner School of Business, has served as acting athletic director since then – and was a candidate to take over. He will return to hius teaching position.
