SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Joan McDermott, Director of Athletics, announced she is retiring from her role at the University of San Francisco, effective immediately.  
 
"Joan has been an integral part of the athletics administration at USF for the past six years and we are grateful for her many contributions to the USF community," said Charlie Cross, Vice President for Business and Finance. "Please join me in wishing her the very best as she begins this new chapter in her life."
 
McDermott joined USF in September 2016 after a successful twenty year tenure as Director of Athletics at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also served as the Athletics Director at California State University, East Bay. While at USF, McDermott served as Senior Executive Associate and Deputy Athletics Director before her appointment as Director of
Athletics in March 2019.
 
"These last six years have been very rewarding," McDermott said. "I loved the opportunity to return to my alma mater and serve the USF community and I am proud of what has been accomplished during my time at USF."  
 
During McDermott's tenure, the university added women's triathlon and indoor track and field programs, completed facility renovations in the Sobrato Center and solidified administrative and fiscal policies within the department. She made several head coaching hires including men's basketball coach Todd Golden, who led the team to its first NCAA post-season championship play in 24 years.
 
McDermott earned a bachelor's degree at USF and a master's degree at Stanford.  She began her career as a collegiate volleyball and softball coach before transitioning to athletics administration. Her coaching career was highlighted by a NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship while at Saint Mary's College.
 
"I am most grateful for the dedicated coaches, alumni, student-athletes, boosters, and staff who I have been allowed to serve," McDermott said. "Their passion, commitment and purpose are the reason that the future of USF Athletics is bright."
 
"I am committed to working hand-in-hand with the athletics department to ensure a smooth transition," she added.
 
McDermott  plans to work part-time for The PICTOR Group, an intercollegiate athletics consulting firm. Details regarding the leadership transition in USF Athletics are forthcoming and Cross said that a national search for McDermott's successor will begin immediately.