Pelster Promoted to Associate AD
WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Wayne Edwards announced Thursday that he has promoted Sarah Pelster to Associate Athletics Director for Administrative Services.
Pelster is preparing to enter her eighth year with the department. She came to Shenandoah in August 2003 as the head women's volleyball coach, took on Senior Woman's Administrator duties in 2004 and was promoted to Assistant AD in August 2006.
From May through December 2009, Pelster was the interim Associate AD after previous athletics director John Hill resigned.
Pelster, who led the Hornets volleyball program to 82 wins, will give up her coaching duties in order to concentrate on this administrative role. She ends her 27-year collegiate volleyball coaching career with 455 victories.
"When I came on board in January, I quickly realized that I needed additional administrative leadership," Dr. Edwards said.
"With President Fitzsimmons support, I began to formulate a job description for a new position. Fortunately, I didn't have to look outside the university for candidates because Sarah was the person we needed.
"The department is extremely fortunate to have her serve in this capacity. She has demonstrated to me and to the higher administration that she is highly capable, hardworking, honest, dependable and totally dedicated to SU and its student-athletes. We are all going to benefit greatly from her appointment to this position and I look forward to her service for many years to come."
As Associate AD for Administrative Services, Pelster will be the department's primary point person for business and financial operations, assist with NCAA compliance and reports, will coordinate one of the department's chief fundraising initiatives and assist Edwards with all other aspects of department.
Shenandoah has approximately 400 students participating in 20 intercollegiate sports and over 50 full- and part-time employees.
Pelster will continue as SWA as well.
"When I began my collegiate coaching career 27 years ago, my goal was to someday become a full-time athletics administrator," Pelster said. "I want to thank Dr. Edwards, Dr. Fitzsimmons and the senior administration for making this possible. It is exciting to be able to work at Shenandoah University where the athletics program and the university is continually growing and expanding."
She officially starts her new duties July 1, but has been serving in this role since April. A national search for a new head volleyball coach has been completed with the announcement of the new coach expected within the week.
