General 5/15/2020 11:42:00 AM

Frey Steps Down as Director of Athletics

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Wilson College Director of Athletics Lori Frey has announced her resignation.

Frey, who has served the college for the last 32 years, will remain with the college as a faculty member in the Exercise Science and Physical Education departments.

"To learn shortly after my selection as the 20^th president of Wilson that long-time AD Lori Frey wanted to focus her energies on teaching-full time provided mixed emotions for me," said Dr. Wesley Fugate, President of Wilson College. "Having connected with Lori during my interview process, I was excited to work with her to continue to use athletics to build the student experience at Wilson, but I also understand the pull of the classroom and her longing to spend more time there. Lori has an incredible dedication to our students, and she has exciting ideas for how to continue to develop our academic offerings to their benefit. I feel so grateful that our student-athletes have benefited from her tireless leadership since her arrival at Wilson, and I am excited to see how she will continue to impact Wilson and her students through her full-time role in the faculty. From a grateful Phoenix nation, we say thank you, Lori!"

Frey arrived at Wilson 32 years ago to teach physical education and oversee the Athletics Department. At the time, Wilson athletics included four sports and Frey coached two of them, field hockey and softball, and she did so for 13 years.

"There were no assistant coaches, no athletic trainers, no sports information, no buses, and we weren't part of the NCAA," said Frey. "But over time my role and my duties changed as I began teaching less and administering more."

The first transformation in athletics came in 1996 when the athletics program was elevated to NCAA Division III status and Frey helped to form the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference (AWCC) to provide regular and post season play. Wilson had 6 varsity NCAA sports for women at the time and Wilson would win 2 conference titles in the AWCC.

In 2007, the AWCC folded as many women's colleges struggled with enrollment, and thus opted for co-education. Wilson eventually went co-ed in 2013 and the men's basketball team debuted in the 2014-15 season. Wilson was a member in the North Eastern Athletics (NEAC) where the Phoenix stayed for more than 10 years. Eventually, when a Division III shift occurred opening the doors for a conference change in 2018, Frey immediately applied to the Colonial States Athletics Conference (CSAC) recognizing the similarity in mission and focus on the student-athlete.

With NCAA and conference membership came substantial growth in regulations, staffing, facility and sports expectations. Every policy that is in place has been implemented under Frey's guidance. In the past 6 years with the help of the leadership team, the Athletics Department has completed two strategic plans (completing 80 initiatives). Frey has guided the college through four NCAA self-studies and been awarded several NCAA grants.

"While I'm sad we are not in a new athletics complex," said Frey. "We did construct a softball field, soccer field and recently, Henninger Field renovations for baseball. We have added a 7,000 square foot fitness center, rec courts and an addition to the field house as well as many other small building improvements."

In addition to policy and facility expansion, NCAA and conference affiliations eventually warranted staff expansion. "From the onset where there was me and 2 other part-time coaches, to today with a staff of over 40, the administrative and managerial roles keep growing," said Frey. "I occupied the Gannett Memorial Field House alone in 1988 when I started my journey at Wilson and now, we are using every nook and cranny for office space, storage, etc."

The expanded staff came with expanded sport sponsorship as well, all contributing significantly to the College's enrollment growth. Since co-education in 2013, the student-athlete population has risen from 53 athletes to 185 today. With the co-ed transition complete and full NCAA compliance, now with 11 sports, the athletics program is thriving.

"I am grateful to have worked with all of my staff over the years. I jokingly say the athletics program is my baby, having a hand in every aspect of what exists today, but every parent knows they have to give their children wings," said Frey. "With a dedicated staff in place and the college committed to continue to advance the program, I firmly believe this program is ready for what's next. So, thank you all for giving me the confidence to give the program wings."

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