Lori Anctil Announced as New Leader for Athletics at Saint Rose

After a nationwide search, Lori Anctil, a 20-year veteran of collegiate athletics who currently serves as assistant vice president/deputy director of athletics at Siena College, has been hired as the associate vice president and director of athletics at The College of Saint Rose. She will replace Cathy Cummings Haker, who retired in July and led Golden Knights athletics since 1983.

“I am excited for the positive impact that Lori will make leading Golden Knights Athletics in the years to come,” said Saint Rose President Carolyn J. Stefanco. “In the thorough interview and vetting process, Lori demonstrated a strategic vision for Saint Rose that capitalizes on our strengths: academically and athletically strong student-athletes; dedicated coaches; loyal alumni; our membership in the prestigious Division II Northeast-10 Conference; and a legacy of recruiting and developing student-athletes who understand the meaning of teamwork — in the classroom, in service to their communities, and on the courts, tracks, and playing fields.”

Anctil begins her work at Saint Rose on August 26. She spent 14 years at Siena, and most recently oversaw compliance, academic advising, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning, as well as the lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and water polo programs. In 2001, Anctil left Siena to serve as director of men’s basketball operations at Seton Hall University before returning to Siena in 2007. With a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence for student-athletes as an academic advisor, Anctil holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, and a master’s degree in higher education administration, both from the University at Buffalo. Her own athletic career includes four years as a starter on the women’s soccer team at University at Buffalo and player for the semi-professional Long Island Lady Rough Riders, where she won a national championship.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled for this opportunity to lead The College of Saint Rose athletics program. I want to thank President Stefanco for her tremendous leadership throughout this process and the entire search committee for their support as we enter a new and exciting era of Saint Rose athletics,” Anctil said. “My priority will always be to provide the most rewarding experience possible for our student-athletes while they earn their degrees and compete for championships. I look forward to engaging our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, donors, alumni, and the entire Saint Rose community as we work together to achieve excellence for our Golden Knights.”

The College of Saint Rose is home to 19 Division II athletic teams, including the new women’s lacrosse program, which will kick off its first season in Spring 2020. Saint Rose has produced two NCAA champions (the women’s soccer team in 2011 and Brandon Birchak for diving in 2007) and 26 All-Americans during the past 12 years. The Golden Knights are represented by student-athletes from 19 states and 20 countries, and student-athletes consistently earn academic conference awards.