Haehnel Named Concordia Chicago's SWA

Courtesy of Concordia University Chicago

Alison Haehnel has been promoted to the position of Senior Woman Administrator at Concordia University Chicago, effective immediately. Haehnel will continue as the school's head softball coach, compliance officer and the leader of the athletic department's CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) program.

Haehnel's role as SWA will entail representing Concordia-Chicago on NCAA and Northern Athletics Conference committees and working with director of athletics Pete Gnan, advising on issues pertaining to NCAA reports and grant writing, gender equity and Title IX.

For Haehnel, who excelled in softball at Division I University of Illinois-Chicago, her new position is a fulfillment of an ambition that goes back to her college days. "As a freshman, I interviewed our SWA for an assignment," said Haehnel. "I came away from the interview thinking that would be a great position to have. As a female student-athlete, I learned during my four years how important of a role she played in the department. I consider her a strong role model, and I am honored to be following in her footsteps."

Haehnel looks forward to the challenges of her new duties in addition to her continuing coaching responsibilities. "I am the type of person who likes to have her hands in everything, and I appreciate (Concordia Director of Athletics) Pete Gnan giving me the opportunity to contribute to the many facets involved in the day-to-day functioning of a college athletics department. I am thankful for this opportunity to experience the administrative side of the department and, most importantly, to work with our female student-athletes and help advance the continued improvement and evolution of Concordia Cougar athletics."