Sports
Hoffman Named Occidental Director of Athletics
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2007) - Occidental College head women's basketball coach Jaime Hoffman has been appointed the Director of Athletics at Occidental College, effective Jan. 1.
The announcement came Dec. 29 from outgoing Occidental President Susan Prager who also appointed Hoffman the Interim AD on July 1. When asked of her decision to name Hoffman the AD Prager offered, "From all accounts and from my own observations, Jaime has done a truly outstanding job as Interim Director of Athletics."
Since obtaining the interim role Hoffman has already made great strides in enhancing the department by filling significant voids. The additions of key personnel including a Sports Information Director, Recreational Sports and Facilities Coordinator, head softball and men's tennis coaches and a Strength and Conditioning coach have already impacted the department in a positive manner. Additionally, the department has hired Dan Tudor, a phenomenal recruiting consultant, whose techniques and advice have already produced quality results.
Improvements to these areas will draw top tier student-athletes who will contribute to the success of the college's 19 intercollegiate athletic teams. One of Hoffman's many goals is to embrace all departments on campus with the intention of collaborating on the total experience of the Oxy students, including upgrading facilities and programs to match the quality of education at Oxy.
Among other supporters of Hoffman are experienced coaches and administrators of the College's institutional advancement staff, whom she will be working closely in developing a vision for the future. The project includes devising a plan and creating options for improving the indoor athletic facilities, fitness center and pool for Oxy teams that will aid in developing highly competitive programs at the NCAA Division III level for both the men and women.
"Jaime recognizes the importance of the Oxy scholar-athlete in the life of the College and is committed to balancing the goals of a championship-caliber athletic program with the strong academic priorities of the College and to upholding a program that contributes to the quality of student life throughout the campus," said Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid, Bill Tingley.
Beyond campus, Hoffman is committed to bettering relationships with Oxy alumni. "One of our immediate areas of interest involves working with the current Tiger Club Board to expand the membership and enhance their involvement in our department initiatives," Hoffman offered.
Tingley shared, "Early in her interim assignment, she focused new attention on communication with faculty, student affairs staff, and alumni, many of whom are eager to be financially supportive of the Oxy athletic programs."
"I'm excited about being named the AD," Hoffman, 35, said in an interview. "It's a tremendous opportunity. I really believe in Occidental and in the direction of our department. I've been doing the job for six months, and to now have a little clarity as to the length of my term gives me the opportunity to tackle the projects we've begun and see them through."
Already Hoffman has made great strides with her staff. "We have
furthered the team spirit in the department, reorganized some
efforts, and significantly improved the club sports program."
Early this year Hoffman worked with the SID, Tracy Maple, and a
committee of five administrators from a variety of departments on
campus to outsource the athletics website. Oxyathletics.com
provides a user friendly layout with up to date stories, pictures
and statistics for Oxy fans to follow with ease.
Hoffman has been at Occidental for three years and has more than
10 years' experience working in intercollegiate athletics,
including at Boston's Newbury College, Montclair State University
in New Jersey and Regis College in Weston, Mass., serving as head
women's basketball coach, a professor and an administrator. She has
also completed stints as head softball and head women's tennis
coach at the collegiate level.
"Jaime brings remarkable energy, excellent leadership qualities,
organizational skills, and a clear vision for the Oxy athletic
program," Tingley offered. "Hoffman has a broad knowledge of
athletics with extensive experience in budgeting, marketing,
fundraising, and alumni relations."