Laurel Hosmer Named Valparaiso University Director of Athletics
Aug. 21, 2024 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Laurel Hosmer will serve as the next Director of Athletics at Valparaiso University, effective immediately, as announced by University President José D. Padilla, J.D., on Wednesday.
Hosmer, the first female Director of Athletics in Valparaiso University history, had served in the role on an interim basis since March 25. She brings with her a glowing track record in strategic revenue generation combined with a passion for uplifting student-athletes and a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of intercollegiate athletics.
“I am tremendously excited to have Laurel Hosmer serve as our Director of Athletics on a permanent basis,” Padilla said. “Laurel and I have worked together closely during her five months in the interim role, and it became incredibly clear that she was the right choice to lead our athletics department. While she possesses many strengths that will help her thrive in all aspects of this role, her expertise in athletics revenue generation was a particularly important factor. I look forward to seeing Laurel continue to make a positive impact on our institution.”
Hosmer, the 17th Director of Athletics in Valparaiso University history, will be celebrated and officially welcomed to her new role during an introductory press conference on Monday, Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Athletics-Recreation Center. The event is free and open to the public. The press conference will also be streamed on ESPN+.
“I thank President Padilla, the Board of Directors and the entire Valparaiso University community for their trust and confidence in me to lead the department of athletics,” Hosmer said. “I am honored to serve in this role and consider the responsibility of leading our remarkable student-athletes, coaches and staff a true privilege. As a steward of the rich tradition of Valpo Athletics success in competition and in the classroom, I am eager to continue to engage, learn from and partner with University leadership, Valpo alumni and the entire community in our journey forward.”
Hosmer, who arrived at Valpo in January as Deputy Athletic Director for Revenue Generation and Senior Woman Administrator, made an immediate impact during her five months in the interim role. She led the implementation of two key external initiatives that will enhance the Valpo fan experience beginning this fall. The department has announced a partnership with vivenu, a ticketing company dedicated to simplifying the purchasing process for fans. In addition, ValpoAthletics.com is in the process of being transitioned to a new website provider that will elevate the user experience. Details regarding that project will be announced soon.
Hosmer’s busy spring and summer in the interim role also included successfully hiring new head coaches for two athletic programs. As the sport administrator for softball, she handled all aspects of a national search that led to the hiring of Mike Armitage to lead the softball program. The department also introduced John Martin as head bowling coach during Hosmer’s time as interim AD. In addition, Hosmer oversaw the department’s second annual Head Coaches Bus Tour, a summer event that provided each Valpo head coach with the opportunity to spend time with community members and one another while promoting their programs and looking ahead to the 2024-25 season. She also played a key role in the department’s first-ever All-Sports Reunion Weekend, featuring Valpo’s inaugural Letter Jacket Ceremony and the annual Hall of Fame induction.
A seasoned athletics administrator, Hosmer arrived at Valpo after a stint at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pa., where she served as Director of Athletic Development beginning in June 2021. She led a team in all aspects of athletic development efforts including major gift solicitation, annual fund operations and sport-specific fundraising events, gameday hospitality and alumni relations. She served as a sport administrator for the department’s men’s and women’s tennis programs. Hosmer was responsible for a $55 million capital campaign to renovate the athletics complex to benefit all student-athletes. Hosmer also supported efforts to educate, engage and gain support of name, image and likeness opportunities for student-athletes, both directly and through the Hawk Hill Alliance collective. In
addition, she worked directly with all 16 head coaches to meet annual fundraising goals and promoted collaboration among the athletics external team, university marketing & communications and advancement.
Hosmer served as Assistant Athletic Director for Development at the University of Delaware from November 2016 to May 2021, raising more than $4.9 million in outright and planned gift commitments and playing a key role in raising $35 million to renovate Delaware Stadium and build the Whitney Athletic Center.
Hosmer worked at Eastern Washington University from July 2014 to October 2016, starting as Director of Athletic Development and External Revenue before being promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Revenue in October 2015. She managed and operated the school’s athletics annual fund with more than 2,300 members. She helped grow membership numbers by 262 percent from the previous year, and generated 214 percent more in annual giving revenue than the previous all-time record.
Prior to Eastern Washington University, Hosmer spent time as a development assistant at the University of Georgia. She started her career as a development office intern and compliance/business office graduate assistant at the University of Massachusetts.
Hosmer, a native of Winchester, Mass., is a 2009 graduate of the State University of New York Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology while serving as a four-year member of the women’s soccer program and a two-year team captain. She earned her master’s in sports management from UMass in 2013 and received an Analytics: Optimizing Big Data certificate from the University of Delaware in 2020.
What They’re Saying About Laurel Hosmer
Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Saint Joseph’s University:
“I want to congratulate Valparaiso University President José Padilla on a great hire in Laurel Hosmer. I can’t begin to articulate how proud I am of Laurel, and how excited I am to watch her continue to excel. As I learned during her time on our Executive Team at Saint Joseph’s University, Laurel is smart, strategic, driven and passionate about the student-athlete experience. She will do great things at Valpo!”
Tanya Vogel, Retired George Washington University Director of Athletics and Consultant with The Pictor Group:
“Laurel is a highly-talented and unflappable leader. Her diverse experiences working for some of the industry’s best leaders will benefit her greatly as the interim tag is removed. She is a tireless worker who cares deeply for the people of Valpo, and she will lead the department with the highest integrity during these dynamic times.”
Ken Halpin, Deputy Athletics Director, Purdue University:
“Having known Laurel since we first worked together 10 years ago, I couldn’t be prouder and more excited for how much she has grown in her career. To the Valpo community, you won’t find someone willing to work harder or dig deeper in service to your university. She has all the tools and work ethic to be an incredible AD and will serve each of you at the highest level.”
Kyle Bruce, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Engagement, Ole Miss:
“I am thrilled to congratulate Laurel Hosmer on her appointment as Director of Athletics at Valparaiso University. She is a transformational leader with game-changing experience in the revenue generation space, making her uniquely positioned to propel the Beacons forward. A former NCAA Division III student athlete, she has an unmatched commitment to the student-athlete experience and will keep Valparaiso’s student-athletes at the forefront while working to elevate the University’s profile through championship success. I am so excited for Laurel and for Valparaiso, knowing she will excel in this role and continue to demonstrate the passion, dedication and excellence that have defined her career.”
Patrick Gray, Executive Associate Athletics Director / Assistant Vice President, Athletics Advancement, DePaul University:
“Having known Laurel since she began her career in college athletics, I cannot think of a better person to lead Valparaiso Athletics! Laurel’s work ethic, professionalism and general care for others will lend itself well as she serves the University and Valparaiso community.”
219.464.6800 – HARRE UNION, 1509 CHAPEL DRIVE, VALPARAISO, IN 46383-6493 USA – valpo.edu/imc
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