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USF - University of San Francisco or You Stay Forever? What is it about our school that creates such great passion and devotion from its sons and daughters?

The University of San Francisco Tuesday Testimonials tell that story in the words of the special men and women who make the Hilltop such an amazing place.

Joan McDermott joined the USF Dons staff this fall as the latest step in her illustrious career as an administrator of college athletics. McDermott is a USF alum as she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and physical education as a Don.

For the past two years, McDermott has been right across the bay as the Director of Athletics for Cal State University East Bay. While there, she was named the NCAA Division II Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics for the second time in her career. 

Before East Bay, McDermott served as the Athletic Director for Metro State in Denver, Colorado. While there, she oversaw a program that won 71 conference championships while making 114 NCAA postseason appearances and boasted 16 Academic All-Americans. Also during her time at Metro State, McDermott served as the coach of the volleyball team which made the NCAA postseason twice under her watch. 

Despite all she has done and all the places she has been, McDermott is right back to where it all started for her. "I wouldn't be where I am without USF, quite honestly," McDermott said.  
 
And on the eve of the Dons double-header at Kezar Pavilion, McDermott reminisced on USF basketball during her childhood and the role it played in her young life.

"I started coming to games when I was seven years old with my dad, and I came all the time," McDermott reminisced. "I fell in love with the sport of basketball. Ollie Johnson was my big, favorite player; I think as a little girl I even ran up and met him one time!"