Pictured above: Former Director of Athletics Lori Hendricks speaking at the Mount Holyoke College Athletic Awards. Image courtesy of Mount Holyoke College Athletics.
By Gigi Picard ‘22
Sports Editor
On Feb. 26, it was announced that Lori Hendricks ’92 would be retiring from her position as the director of athletics and chair of physical education and athletics for Mount Holyoke College. Hendricks remained in the position until Feb. 28, 2021.
“It has been a privilege serving my alma mater for the past 14 years. … For all members of Lyons Nation who have helped us build our athletics learning laboratory, I extend my sincerest gratitude,” Hendricks said in an email to members of the Mount Holyoke athletics department. “I have celebrated every moment as Mount Holyoke’s student-athletes excelled as champions in competition, as well as champions in the classroom. I look forward to cheering on the Lyons as a proud alum and returning to campus for many reunions to come,” she continued.
As of March 1, Erica Lemm, formerly the associate director of athletics, took over as the interim athletics director. Mount Holyoke Lacrosse Head Coach Miriam Esber is currently positioned to be the interim chair of physical education.
“We thank [Hendricks] for her devoted service to students and to Mount Holyoke. ... Under [Hendricks’] guidance, the Department of Physical Education and Athletics focused on student-athlete leadership and development, including the Peak Performance and Leadership Academy, which features personal health and wellness, athletic performance, leadership and career development, and community engagement,” said Marcella Runell Hall, Mount Holyoke vice president of student life and dean of students.
Hendricks is still involved with the Mount Holyoke community, as she will remain a special assistant to the vice president of student life until June 30, 2021, working on the Be Well program.
Hendricks’ time as director of athletics consisted of several notable milestones achieved by Mount Holyoke student-athletes and the athletics department. Swimmer Cathleen Pruden ’16 became Mount Holyoke’s first NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 award winner in 2016. Mount Holyoke volleyball player Michelle Johannes ’93 will be inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame in June –– the first Seven Sisters student to achieve this honor. Lastly, in 2013, Mount Holyoke introduced the first class of student-athletes being inducted into the Mount Holyoke College Athletics Hall of Fame.
There will be a celebration to honor Hendricks in June. Details of the event are not available at this time.