(Story courtesy of Concordia University (Tex.) Athletics Communications)
AUSTIN, Texas - Ronda Seagraves has announced her retirement at the end of the semester, concluding a distinguished career in collegiate athletics administration. She has served as the Vice President and Director of Athletics at Concordia University Texas since November 2, 2015, becoming the second woman to hold this position at the university.
Before her tenure at Concordia, Seagraves was the first female Director of Athletics and Wellness at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana. She also dedicated over two decades to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she held roles such as Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Assistant Professor, and Chair of the Exercise and Sport Studies Program.
During her time at Southwestern, Seagraves made history by coaching women's basketball and golf teams to Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) championships in the same year, earning multiple SCAC Coach of the Year awards and an induction into the Southwestern University Hall of Fame in 2014.
A former standout basketball player at Ohio State University, Seagraves began her coaching and teaching career at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she served as head volleyball and women's basketball coach, assistant softball coach, and physical education instructor. She is also a member of the Allegheny College Hall of Fame (Class of 2021).
Throughout her career, Seagraves has been a trailblazer and mentor, significantly contributing to the advancement of women's athletics and the professional development of female sports administrators. Her leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on collegiate sports, inspiring countless student-athletes and colleagues.
"As I wind down my 44th year of college athletics I am so pleased that my last stop was Concordia University Texas. I have been blessed to have the support of the administration and a wonderful athletic department staff. I am thankful to Presidents' Christian and Kirk who brought me on board to lead the CTX department in 2015. Because of the faith they bestowed upon me to lead an amazing staff of coaches, athletic trainers, and sports information directors, I believe I leave Concordia in a good place. I will be forever grateful for their commitment and friendship on this journey."
"I have had a tremendous opportunity to serve as AD in two different conferences while at CTX. My colleagues in the American Southwest and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conferences are distinct leaders in DIII and I am proud to have had the chance to work along side of them".
"The athletic future of the Tornados is in a great place. Under the leadership of our next Athletic Director and Vice President Patrick Carlove many things are going to be accomplished to further the success of our teams and especially each student-athlete's experience. Both of these leaders are visionary and committed to building an even brighter outlook for Concordia University athletics."
"To the staff, thank you for allowing me to serve you these last nine and half years. You are a committed group of professionals who inspired and motivated me each day! Keep up the great work you are doing to influence the lives of our student-athletes!"
As she steps into retirement, the collegiate athletics community honors Ronda Seagraves for her decades of service, her commitment to excellence, and her unwavering advocacy for equity in sports.
