(Story courtesy of Centenary Sports Information Department)
SHREVEPORT, La. – David Orr has been named Director of Athletics and Recreation at Centenary College of Louisiana. Centenary president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman made the announcement to the campus community on Tuesday, April 20.
Orr, who had served as Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation since October 2020, was previously the Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation and Facilities/Director of Compliance before the promotion to the interim role.
"I am very pleased to appoint David permanently to this critical position," said Holoman. "He has done outstanding work in his time as interim Director and emerged as the top choice following a national search. I look forward to working with him to grow Centenary College and our athletics program."
Orr was named assistant athletic director prior to the 2017-18 academic year after spending the 2014-16 seasons as head coach of the Ladies soccer program. Orr also added the title of Title IX Coordinator for the department in 2018. He was a Centenary student-athlete from 1992 to 1996 and served as men's and women's soccer coach from 1999 to 2002 and 2008 to 2016.
"I was fortunate to start my coaching career early at nineteen years of age and have loved being in the career of serving student-athletes and coaches," said Orr. "Centenary is an exceptional institution with exceptional students, faculty, and staff. I've both witnessed and experienced a number of transitions since I stepped on Centenary's campus for the first time 29 years ago. Through all of the easy and difficult transitions, Centenary has kept to its principles and prioritized student success. I look forward to serving and leading the Department of Athletics and Recreation as we prepare to build upon a solid and successful foundation built by so many past and current leaders and I am excited to work with an amazing faculty."
Orr led the College's Department of Athletics through an unprecedented year that included the postponement of fall sports, adaptation of athletic operations, and a rigorous testing protocol for student-athletes, coaches, and other department personnel.
"It has been my pleasure to serve as the Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation since October of 2020," said Orr. "The Centenary Athletics coaches and staff were extremely supportive and responsive, especially during the unique situation created by the pandemic. Centenary College and the department of athletics has done an exceptional job supporting one another during this time and we have learned a lot from and about one another."
"I am very grateful to Dr. Holoman, Dr. Karen Soul, and the Director of Athletics and Recreation search committee," continued Orr. "The search committee performed a thorough and professional search, led by Dr. Soul. I also want to thank Dr. Holoman for his support and leadership during my time as the interim Director of Athletics and Recreation as well as the appointment as Centenary's next Director of Athletics and Recreation."
Centenary's Department of Athletics and Recreation currently features 19 varsity sports and one club sport.
