Athletics Director Position Expanded

HONOLULU – April 8, 2008 – Chaminade University is expanding their Athletics Director position to full-time effective July 1.  Citing her responsibilities to her athletics consulting business, Kaico Sports, Chaminade’s incumbent Athletics Director, Kaia Hedlund, declined the full-time position.  Hedlund will continue to serve Chaminade in a consulting capacity to help develop Chaminade’s growing sports program.

Expanding the Athletics Director position to a full-time slot is a significant step for Chaminade since Hedlund is the first director to not hold concurrent coaching duties.  A search for the new director will begin immediately.

Since coming on board in the fall of 2006, Hedlund contributed significantly to the University’s athletic program, having spearheaded the addition of three new sports (women’s basketball, and men and women’s soccer). She completed the transition to a new Pacific West Conference with these sports, building strong relationships within the conference and leveraging her significant experience with the Big West Conference, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and numerous Division I programs.

“From launching our first all-sports booster club to overseeing our men’s basketball success in reaching the second round of the NCAA Championship, Kaia has done an excellent job in moving Chaminade’s athletics program forward,” stated Chaminade President, Sue Wesselkamper. “We are fortunate to have her continue working with us beyond the summer to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress.”

Hedlund stated, “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with the coaches, students, staff and fans at Chaminade.  We have accomplished a lot in the past two years and it is very satisfying to see that the university is taking this and other major steps in support of Silversword Athletics.  The future is bright and I am proud of whatever small part I have may have played. ”Last year, prior to the EA Sports Maui Invitational and in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the victory over the University of Virginia, Chaminade launched its first ever all-sports booster club, Hui ‘Āhinahina, to support its athletics program. Named after the University’s team, the Silverswords, the new booster organization supports Chaminade’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program and student-athletes through funding for scholarships, equipment and team travel.

For information regarding Silversword Athletics, the EA Sports Maui Invitational or Hui ‘Āhinahina, visit www.goswords.com.

Celebrating more than 50 years of educating students for life, service and successful careers, Chaminade University offers programs of study grounded in the liberal arts with day, evening, online and accelerated courses. The main campus is located in Kaimuki with ten satellite locations around Oahu at military bases and Catholic schools. Chaminade is a federally recognized Native Hawaiian serving institution. For more information, visit the Chaminade web site at www.chaminade.edu or call (808) 735-4711.