GRANTHAM, Pa. - On Wednesday morning, Messiah College announced the hiring of Sarah Gustin-Hamrock as Athletic Director following a nation-wide search. Gustin-Hamrock joins the Falcons after a five-year stint at Marymount University (Division III) in Arlington, Va., where she served as the Associate Athletics Director for the Saints. She will begin her new role as Messiah's Athletic Director on July 1.
"I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the Messiah College community," said Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement Kris Hansen-Kieffer. "She brings a deep value of Christian higher education and Division III athletics. She brings experience as an NCAA Division I athlete, a coach, and an athletic administrator, while understanding the value and importance of Division III athletics in holistically developing students."
Gustin-Hamrock brings nearly two decades of collegiate athletics experience to Grantham. A former women's volleyball coach, she worked at a number of institutions, including stops at Indiana (Division I), California State University San Marcos (Division II), and Point Loma (NAIA/Division II). While coaching at Point Loma, Gustin-Hamrock also began her run in athletic administration, holding Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator titles during her time in San Diego, Calif.
"I am humbled and excited to join Messiah College as the next Athletic Director," said Sarah Gustin-Hamrock of her appointment. "I am thankful for the leadership of President Phipps, Kris Hansen-Kieffer and the Search Committee and for their support of my vision for Messiah Athletics. I look forward to joining an incredible team of student-athletes, coaches and staff and continuing to build on the tradition and success that has been established, while tackling new challenges ahead."
A native of Southern California, Gustin-Hamrock graduated from Michigan State and was a four-year member of the Spartans' women's volleyball team. During her career as an outside hitter, Gustin-Hamrock garnered All-Big Ten Honors both academically and athletically during her final three years in East Lansing.
After graduation, she started her coaching career with a variety of stops eventually leading to her first head coaching job at California State University San Marcos (Division II) in 2011. After one year with the Cougars, she accepted a position as the head coach at Point Loma Nazarene University. During her four years at Point Loma, the Sea Lions transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II with Gustin-Hamrock playing a key role in the transition as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator in addition to her coaching duties.
In her most recent role at Marymount, Gustin-Hamrock has been involved in the daily operation of the compliance program including rules education, rules interpretations, monitoring and coordinating rules compliance efforts, while overseeing a handful of coaches and programs. Additionally, she also held the title of Senior Women's Administrator for the Saints. During her time with the Saints, Gustin-Hamrock created strong bonds across campus, serving on a number of committees including the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, University Assessment Committee, and the Enrollment and Retention Committee.
"I am drawn to Messiah's mission and the dedication to athletics as part of the educational experience for all students," said Gustin-Hamrock. "Messiah's commitment to diversity, service, and development of Christian faith distinguishes it from other institutions. Because of its commitment to these things, Messiah is a great fit for me personally and professionally and I am so grateful God has given me this opportunity."
In her new role in Grantham, Gustin-Hamrock will be responsible for the oversight of Messiah's 22 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic programs and, as a result, the leadership of Messiah's 15 head coaches and approximately 450 student-athletes.
"I believe our coaches and student-athletes are Champions with servant hearts that represent the best of the best," said Gustin-Hamrock. "I couldn't be more excited to work alongside them when I arrive on campus."
As mentioned, Gustin-Hamrock is scheduled to begin her tenure as Athletic Director on July 1.
