Dec. 1, 2008

Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi University Athletic Director Robert Hartwell announced the hiring of Kate Whalen as Associate Athletic Director and Compliance Coordinator, effective December 1, 2008. Whalen comes back to Adelphi, her home for 13 years, from Pace University, where she held the position of Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator in charge of Compliance.

Whalen brings more than 20 years experience in collegiate athletics as a student-athlete, coach and administrator back to Adelphi, after serving as Associate Commissioner of the East Coast Conference and working at Pace for the past two years.. A 1987 graduate of the University of New Haven, Whalen joined Adelphi in 1993, leading the softball squads to more than 330 victories including eight straight seasons of more than 25 wins from 1999 through 2006.

"I am glad to be back at Adelphi," Whalen said. "My time away was beneficial, allowing me to gain additional perspectives from other institutions which I am sure I can incorporate into my new role."

In 13 seasons under Whalen, the Panthers advanced to three NCAA Division II Regionals, including the 2006 season when they finished 33-17 to earn Whalen league Co-Coach of the Year honors. She also had six 30+ win seasons and produced 34 NFCA Scholar Athletes.

Whalen was also selected to coach a United States team in Australia as part of USA Athletes International (USAAI) last month. Her USAAI squad won the New South Wales Tournament in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia.

She was also an administrator at Adelphi, serving as an Assistant Athletic Director/ Senior Women's Administrator during her tenure. This included making sure the University is compliant with regards to issues of Title IX and student-athlete well-being.

In 2002, she was instrumental in the creation of the ECC Senior Female-Athletes Brunch in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The event, which will celebrate its eighth year in 2009, honors all senior female athletes throughout the ECC with special recognition to the female athlete with the highest grade point average.

Whalen will be responsible for all aspects of compliance in addition to other assigned duties.