The future of athletics at Saint Martin’s University is under the leadership of Theresa Hanson, who was recently appointed the permanent Director of Athletics after serving as Interim Director since October 2024. She brings more than 25 years of proven leadership in sports administration. Hanson’s strengths for enhancing the student-athlete experience, facility development and successful fundraising are integral to the program’s on-going excellence.
“I’m thrilled to be here. Saint Martin’s is a gem,” says Hanson, whose connections to the University date back to her college basketball days. She played her last intercollegiate basketball game on the courts at Saint Martin’s, when her Lewis-Clark State College team and Saint Martin’s competed in the same National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference. You can ask her who won that game.
Hanson obtained a business degree from Lewis-Clark College, where she was also an athlete. After college, she worked for seven years in the finance industry. However, when opportunity knocked to be the first female athletic director at Langara College in Vancouver, BC, she answered the call. “Sports administration is just the best fit for me,” Hanson says. She earned a master’s degree in sports administration from the United States Sports Academy.
Hanson has been the first female athletic director three times in her career. “I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves. I work really hard. I take pride in my job,” she says. She also expresses gratitude for the opportunities in her life.
Since stepping into the role of interim athletics director six months ago, Hanson has already made a powerful impact on the Saints Athletics program. Under her leadership, the department has surpassed its short-term fundraising goals, laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. Facility upgrades are already underway, beginning with the baseball complex, to enhance the experience for student-athletes and supporters alike. Perhaps most significantly, Hanson has focused on strengthening vital relationships with coaches, alumni, supporters, and campus partners, bringing a renewed sense of stability, collaboration, and momentum to the athletics department.
Athletics Enriches Student Life and Community at Saint Martin’s University
“Athletics is woven into the fabric of Saint Martin’s University,” says Hanson. “To be a steward is a privilege.”
Hanson views athletics not just as competition, but as a vital avenue for community connection and student growth. Athletics is a welcoming entryway for the community to visit campus and get to know the University. This goes hand-in-hand with the participation of student-athletes. “They are the best ambassadors for the Saint Martin’s University,” shares Hanson. “They carry a big load.” Hanson believes the lessons and experiences students gain through athletics not only shape their success today, but also leave a lasting impact that guides them throughout their lives. “They learn about performance in the classroom and on the field, preparing them for whatever their futures hold. Saint Martin’s University has what is necessary for students to succeed as students and athletes,” she adds.
Her deep belief in the educational power of sports is rooted in personal experience. As a youth, she participated in swimming, gymnastics, track and field, basketball and baseball. “My dad was a baseball coach and played in college,” recalls Hanson. “He’s the most positive person I have ever met. He encouraged us to engage in multiple sports and offered opportunities.”
Building Winning Teams: How Coaches Drive Success at Saint Martin’s University
Hanson places high value on her coaches, whose jobs are to recruit and retain talented players. “Recruitment is a hard job,” she recognizes. The path is complicated, containing the potential for heartbreaks and amazing successes. Like an being an athlete, coaching requires hard work and a desire to win. Coaches are on the hunt for diamonds in the rough. They bring their own expertise, and they are the stewards of their sports program.
Business development and community engagement are significant areas of her work. Hanson is also focused on enhancing recruitment through scholarship opportunities and top-tier facilities, recognizing that these investments are essential to attracting talented student-athletes.
“We have an opportunity to be the architects of the next chapter. Success takes time, energy and commitment,” Hanson says of future seasons. She is excited to get more involved with the local community.
Education and Athletics Rooted in Benedictine Values
Saint Martin’s University holds true to its values of community, hospitality, stewardship, listening and dignity of work. They are integrated into life at the school and all align closely with Hanson’s leadership style “I am Roman Catholic,” she explains. Her dad used to tell her, “Keep the faith.” She muses that it is not easy but is it possible and uses faith-based leadership in her positions.
“I take great pride in what I bring. It is integrity, respect and a work ethic,” says Theresa. This works seamlessly with the University’s mission to educate and develop a diverse workforce that are part of an inclusive, supportive and campus community.
Planning for Success in Sports and Beyond
“Sports has had a profound, positive influence on me,” Hanson shares. She is eager to pass that influence onto the Saint Martin’s University coaches and athletes. Here’s a brief outline of Hanson’s thoughts for success:
- Success takes time
- People are the foundation and substance
- Build a great team
- Surround yourself with good, passionate people
- Mentoring inspires respect in both directions
- Empower staff to do their best work
Saint Martin’s University is a member of the NCAA Division II and Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Students can compete in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s golf, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. Keep to date with Saints Athletics and get tickets to upcoming games by visiting the athletics website.
The University offers 31 majors, 11 master’s programs, one doctorate program and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing and leadership. One of the newest degrees is in cybersecurity.
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