Renee Baumgartner is stepping down as Santa Clara University's athletics director, effective June 30, the varsity announced Tuesday afternoon.
Baumgartner, who has overseen the Broncos' 20 Division I programs since July 2015, is leaving the varsity “to return home and address family health matters that require her attention,” a college news release said.
The Portland native and her husband, Scott, are parents of two daughters, Ellie and Abby, in accordance with her biography within the SCU athletic department directory.
Staci Gustafson, a San Jose native who’s currently the assistant athletics director, will function interim AD, in accordance with a college release. University President Julie Sullivan said within the news release that the varsity will launch a national seek for a full-time representative.
“Renee's leadership over the past nine years has significantly improved SCU athletics in many areas, including the holistic development of our student-athletes, the excitement of our game day experience and the quality of our facilities,” Sullivan said in the varsity release. “We are grateful for the strength with which Renee leaves our athletic programs and look forward to a bright future built on her legacy.”
According to the varsity, SCU Athletics invested greater than $50 million in recent or upgraded facility projects during Baumgartner's tenure. In October, she was appointed to the Division I Men's Basketball Committee for a five-year term. Baumgartner got here to SCU after serving as associate athletic director and chief of staff for athletics at Syracuse for 4 years and as an administrator and head women's golf coach on the University of Oregon for greater than twenty years.
She replaced longtime athletic director Dan Coonan, who was at SCU for 11 years. Coonan has served as Commissioner/CEO of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) since 2017.
Highlights during Baumgartner's tenure included the SCU women's soccer team winning a national title and the boys's basketball team producing NBA draft picks in two consecutive rounds.
“My time here at Santa Clara University represents the highlight of my career,” Baumgartner said within the press release. “The progress we have made in building one of the best Division I athletic programs in the country is a testament to the care and support of the entire Bronco family. I am so grateful for the support I have received from President Sullivan, every single student-athlete who has walked through our doors, and the dedicated staff, coaches and administrators, alumni and donors who make this a wonderful place.
“It is now time to take care of my family’s needs after being away from home for 40 years, but I am confident that Santa Clara Athletics will continue its upward trajectory.”
Gustafson is a graduate of St. Francis High School in Mountain View and has been working within the athletic department since 2007.
“I have every confidence in Staci to provide stable leadership during this transition,” Sullivan said within the statement. “For now, I want to thank Renee for her passion, drive and service to Santa Clara University. She will be missed.”
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