SFU parts ways with athletics director amid football program uncertainty
Posted August 2, 2023 3:52 pm.
Last Updated August 2, 2023 3:54 pm.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has announced that it has parted ways with Athletics Director Theresa Hanson who saw the school’s football program join and leave the NCAA over an eight-year tenure.
The Burnaby university’s Vice Provost, Rummana Khan Hemani, says in an open letter it was a “mutual agreement that the time is right for a change in direction within Athletics and Recreation.”
Hanson had been in the position since 2015.
Simon Fraser University has announced it is parting ways with athletics director Theresa Hanson (pictured) as of Aug. 2, 2023. (Courtesy SFU)
The announcement comes as SFU’s varsity football team does not have a league to play in next season. In April, the program announced that it was not invited to play in the NCAA Lone Star division in 2024.
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The cancelled season has prompted widespread support for the program from the Canadian football world, with fundraising drives arranged by the BC Lions and the school’s alumni society.
Playing in the American conference is part of Hanson’s legacy, as the school outlined in its announcement.
“As the only Canadian university to compete in the NCAA, Theresa has been a tireless advocate, promoting a unique opportunity for student-athletes to obtain an outstanding education at SFU while competing in the NCAA,” Hemani stated.
The turmoil currently surrounding the school’s football program was not addressed in Hemani’s letter.
Related Video: BC Lions, alumni society raising money to keep SFU’s football program
In her time as athletics director, Hanson is credited for overseeing initiatives like the school’s first stadium, “exponential growth in fundraising,” and creating a new brand and identity for the program.
“I wish to express my personal appreciation to Theresa for her many contributions and her commitment to SFU, and wish her well in her future endeavors. She will be missed,” Hemani said.
Details on an interim leader for the university’s athletics program are expected to be shared “as soon as possible.”
With files from Hana Mae Nassar
