LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College Director of Athletics Jason Fein announced today the appointment of Will Rothermel as Deputy Director of Athletics, effective Sept. 23.
"Will Rothermel brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence to the Bates College athletics program," said Fein. "His vision for fostering both athletic and academic success aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes and preparing them for the future. We are thrilled to welcome Will as our new Deputy Director of Athletics and look forward to the dynamic leadership he will bring to our team."
Rothermel joins the Bobcats from Saint Joseph's College of Maine where he has served as Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer since May 2022.
Will provided visionary leadership and administrative direction for the Monks' 22 varsity sports programs as well as the coordination of all recreation activities at Saint Joseph's, including the College's club sports, and intramurals .
Originally from York, Maine, Rothermel has an extensive background in athletics administration and brings an abundance of experience to Bates after working in numerous leadership positions – at all three NCAA levels.
Prior to his tenure at Saint Joseph's, Will enjoyed a seven-year stint as an Associate Director of Athletics at Ithaca College (N.Y.) where he held numerous roles within the department, ranging from NCAA compliance, event management, and marketing & promotions to fundraising, corporate sponsorship and business operations. He also served as a sport supervisor for nearly half of the Bombers' 27 sports.
Before coming to Ithaca in 2015, Rothermel served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Development at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this role, Rothermel directed a corporate sponsorship program that generated more than $2.3 million in revenue while overseeing a portfolio of 100+ corporate sponsors and donors.
Rothermel began his career in college athletics administration in 2009 at Merrimack College, where he served in roles as an assistant sports information director, athletics marketing coordinator, and director of club sports before being named as an assistant athletic director in 2011. His responsibilities included oversight of the Warriors' staff and external operations including marketing, ticketing, and corporate sponsorship
A 2006 graduate of Saint Michael's College (VT), Rothermel earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and was a member of the men's basketball program.
Rothermel earned a master's degree in education and sport management from Old Dominion University, where he coordinated the undergraduate and graduate internship program and enhanced mentoring and networking systems for students in the sport management program.
A member of the department's senior administrative team, the Deputy Director of Athletics works in conjunction with the Director of Athletics to provide strategic leadership and vision to the department as a whole. Rothermel will serve as an active and visible presence within the department and will represent the Department of Athletics both on and off campus, providing guidance, collaboration, leadership skills, community building, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
"I am honored and beyond excited to join the Bates College community in support of the Bobcats," said Rothermel. "I am very much drawn to the foundational values of Bates and love how athletics is interwoven into the pursuit of excellence and personal growth. I am energized to collaborate with some highly committed students, coaches, faculty and staff. I am especially grateful to Jason Fein for this opportunity and look forward to partnering with an innovative leader like him to further enhance the student-athlete experience at Bates … Go Bobcats!"
