Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Aquinas College Athletic Department has begun to undergo some exciting recent changes under the direction of Dr. Ronald D. Reeves. In an effort to shift the athletics department towards growth and success, the department has undergone a restructuring to better serve the coaching staff, external partners, the students, and the Aquinas community as a whole. 

"I am happy about the opportunity to work with our leadership at AQ," stated Dr. Reeves about the reorganization process. "Liz Lee has been a rockstar at Aquinas, so her promotion is well-deserved. We have restructured the best fit for our internal and external needs as we work towards a long-term strategic vision. We are in a great position to build onto what we have established and envision our future."

Aquinas Athletics is shifting towards a more structured leadership team for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Liz Lerczak Lee was promoted to Associate Athletic Director overseeing internal operations. She is now primarily responsible for all of the facility operations, business management, gameday operations, compliance, and eligibility guidelines.

Lee has also been named the Senior Woman Leader for the College. In that role, she will be assisting the Athletic Director, Dr. Reeves, with providing the Aquinas athletics staff with leadership and guidance over Title IX. She will also be working with senior leadership at the institution to help with major departmental and institutional initiatives.

"It's refreshing to see positive growth so quickly," stated Lee about the department reorganization. "I'm excited for the opportunity to continue to grow and learn as an athletics administrator. Aquinas is a special place, and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving the college and student-athletes."

AQ removed the Deputy Athletic Director position following former Interim Athletic Director, Claudette Charney's transition into the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). After many great years at Aquinas, Charney will be working with the WHAC, overseeing eligibility and compliance in a leadership position beginning in the summer of 2025.

Mary Takas, who began working full-time in the fall of 2023 as an athletic administrator, was shifted to the Manager of Operations. Takas is responsible for assisting Lee with internal operations to support the coaches and student-athletes. She oversees all gameday operations, including the training and employment of all the Aquinas student-workers in the athletic department.

Externally, Aquinas has recently hired Jasper Fell to fill in the recently created Associate Athletic Director of External Operations position. He will began on Monday (Aug. 19) and will work with Dr. Reeves and the rest of the marketing and communications team on growing the Aquinas Athletic Department.

Cam Harper, who returned to Aquinas in December of 2023 as the Sports Information Director after spending two years in the AQ sports information department as a graduate assistant, has seen his title change to the Director of Athletic Communications. The new title better reflects his role within the department as the primary communications liaison for the entire athletic department. Harper will be working with Fell on improving and developing how Aquinas connects with its external audience.

"It has been nice to experience rapid leadership and execution since Dr. Reeves has been hired," stated Harper. "Aquinas Athletics is quickly moving to grow and evolve with effective leadership and execution. There is a lot to be optimistic about at Aquinas and I am excited to continue to serve the college, the athletic staff, and the student-athletes in the best way possible."

Ashley Kaman, who supported the athletics staff with eligibility and compliance over the 2023-24 season, has now been shifted to the Manager of Marketing to suit her talents and background better. Kaman will be assisting the external team with the creation and implementation of marketing initiatives for the Aquinas Athletic Department.

"The restructuring of the athletic department is giving the admin staff the opportunity to utilize their strengths to create a cohesive and successful team," exclaimed Kaman when asked about the departmental changes. "I am excited to be able to focus my efforts on marketing within the athletic department to showcase our brand and energize the student experience."

The final major change within the department's administration team was announcing Dr. Scott Brown as the new Faculty Athletic Representative, taking over for Duane Ambrose. Dr. Brown will be assisting the department as the primary liaison between the athletics department and the academic faculty. He will also be assisting the administration team with compliance and eligibility.

"Being appointed as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is an immensely meaningful opportunity for me to bridge the gap between academics and athletics at Aquinas College," stated Dr. Brown. "I view my role as one to ensure that our student-athletes not only excel in their sport but also thrive in the classroom, maintaining the integrity of our educational mission."

"I look forward to collaborating with our students, coaches, and administrators to foster an environment where academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand, supporting the holistic development of our student-athletes and strengthening our community ties."

Several full-time coaches have inherited additional administrative responsibilities to improve operations throughout the athletic department. These changes include the likes of Michael Crane, who is working as the Eligibility Coordinator, and Brian Morris now working as the Transfer Tracer Coordinator.

"It has been great to see the athletic department move forward in a positive direction," said Crane. "I can't wait to see how Aquinas athletics continues to grow and evolve."

Other coaches with expanded roles include Mike Wojciakowski, who is assisting the athletic communications department, and Joe Powers, who has taken over athletic camps and intramurals. Dani Harris has been working on various design and planning projects, including the weight room. Hunter Huff will continue working with external rentals to coordinate external clients utilizing AQ's athletic facilities.

"As a student-athlete and an employee of Aquinas College for over thirty years I have been accustomed to change and the effects on the institution," expressed Coach Wojciakowski "This upcoming academic year is no exception with a significant transformation to the athletic administrative staff."

"New faces, new roles, and a renewed emphasis on our student-athletes have me hopeful that the AQ I love is alive and kicking. I am looking forward to watching our administrators provide a positive and productive work environment for our coaches and athletes to ensure a successful foundation for the entire Aquinas College community."