<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3eZOkO_0wAtvkN700" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3eZOkO_0wAtvkN700" width="1200" height="552" ></figure>Being able to “thrive at the highest levels of Division III.” That’s the ultimate goal of Haverford Athletics’ new Action Plan.To align with Haverford’s Better Learning, Broader Impact— Haverford 2030 institutional plan, the Athletics department released their own plan to drive the program to 2030. The Athletics Action Plan is designed as a “map for the future,” according to Director of Athletics Danielle Lynch, who began working on it three months into her tenure. The three main pillars of it are Elevating the Student Experience, Building Strong and Inclusive Communities, and Maximizing our Competitive Success.Cross country and track and field have long been carrying the torch for Haverford on the national stage, with the team securing the school’s only DIII National Championship in 2010 and continuing to produce All-Americans. Other teams have not always found the same success, but the Action Plan aims to position the whole program in the elite ranks of DIII Athletics. However, the plan does not lay out specific performance standards for teams. Lynch noted, “We have high standards for all of our programs but success looks and feels different for each program.”Staffing and recruitment are central themes of the Action Plan. “Improved staffing will result in improved recruitment, coaching, and outcome,” Lynch said. Haverford is playing catch up, but new hires “will allow for more than one coach to be on the road recruiting which mimics the practices of our peer institutions.” Recruiting is the key to college athletics on any level, and an increased focus on bringing in talent could move the needle.This plan comes amid notable turnover in Haverford Athletics’ coaching staff, in part thanks to student-athlete agency. Lynch said “Student athletes will remain a part of search committees.” The plan didn’t address specific hiring/firing practices, but the expectation is that additional coaches will be hired to bolster team staffs.The impact of this plan is not restricted to student-athletes. “This plan benefits everyone,” Lynch said. “Improved facilities and expanded staffing will help to provide a more robust experience to all that utilize our facilities, take part in Varsity, Intramural, Recreational, and Club Athletics or those engage with our professional staff through Physical Education, our fitness center, or any other offerings provided through the Athletic Department.” Non-athletes will be able to reap the benefits of improved facilities in the Gardner Integrated Athletic Center and beyond.The Action Plan’s holistic focus feels very Haverfordian, though it could benefit from more specific action items regarding mental health resources and concrete team goals. Other aspects, such as expanding the footprint of the GIAC, are still in development but show promise.</div></body>

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Lynch, Athletics Look to Future with Action Plan

Being able to “thrive at the highest levels of Division III.” That’s the ultimate goal of Haverford Athletics’ new Action Plan. To align with Haverford’s Better Learning, Broader Impact— Haverford 2030 institutional plan, the Athletics department released their own plan to drive the program to 2030. The Athletics Action Plan is designed as a “map for the future,” according to Director of Athletics Danielle Lynch, who began working on it three months into her tenure. The three main pillars of it are Elevating the Student Experience, Building Strong and Inclusive Communities, and Maximizing our Competitive Success.