Quigley announces her retirement from a storied career in university athletics

Thérèse Quigley, one of the most respected and decorated athletic leaders in all of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), announced her retirement today as Western University’s Director of Sports and Recreation Services effective December 31, 2016.

“Western has been extremely fortunate to have Thérèse lead the Mustangs and we thank her for her incredible leadership,” says Western’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Janice Deakin. “It goes without saying that she has made extraordinary contributions to both sport and student excellence at Western, and we acknowledge her wider influence on university sport in Canada. Thérèse understands student athletes. A telling aspect of her legacy will point to the positive, closer link she was able to forge between students and the entire Western athletics program.”

Quigley said she decided to retire now, as opposed to waiting until the end of the school year in April, in order to allow a review and search to begin immediately .

“This wasn’t easy but once I came to the decision to retire, I wanted to allow the best opportunity to conduct a smooth and successful transition. I believe the timing of my retirement works best for Western athletics and allows for a comprehensive national search to properly fill the role,” says Quigley. “I want to thank everyone that I have worked with during my time at Western for their committed support and deep passion for the Mustangs and Campus Recreation. It has been a privilege to lead the student-athlete program at Western, my alma mater.”

Over the course of her career, Quigley earned a national reputation as an innovator in interuniversity sport, recreation programming, fundraising, facility development and student leadership. A highly decorated student-athlete and an all-Canadian volleyball player with the Mustangs, Quigley was the winner of the FWP Jones Trophy in 1975 as Western’s top female athlete. Following an impressive career as a coach and administrator in university athletics, Quigley returned to Western in her current role in the summer of 2009.

At Western, Quigley developed recognition programs for students, and student-athletes, expanded the connection to Mustang alumni and supporters and invested in promoting athletics through innovative programs and partnerships. With the student athlete in mind, Thérèse worked tirelessly to secure greater resources and improved facilities.

In a unique partnership with the University Student’s Council (USC) and the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS), she commissioned and oversaw the construction of two state-of-the-art artificial playing fields in 2012.

Quigley initiated the tradition of the graduating player ring ceremony, oversaw the amalgamation of the ‘W’ Club and Women’s Athletic Alumnae (WAA) into a unified Mustang Athletic Association and launched the Mustang Academic Success program. She also championed the creation of Mustang TV, offering live online varsity action to Mustang alumni, friends and fans from all over the world. Mustang TV is recognized by peer athletic departments as a broadcast and technology leader. On top of her wide range of responsibilities while at Western, she also served as CIS President through a significant transition in the governance of university sport in Canada.

Consistent with University practice, an external program review will be conducted prior to undertaking a national search for the next director of the program, and an interim leader of sports and recreation will be appointed to assist with the transition. An announcement in this regard will be made shortly.

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Marnoch, Director, Media Relations, 519-661-2111, ext. 85468, kmarnoch@uwo.ca

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