LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates College is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Rothermel as the Interim Director of Athletics, effective immediately. Rothermel had been serving as Deputy Director of Athletics since joining the Bobcats on September 23, 2024.
"I am so very honored and excited to assume this role alongside a talented and committed group of coaches and staff in our athletics department," Rothermel said. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to Vice President for Student Affairs Rosanna Ferro and President Garry W. Jenkins for their confidence. Bates is a special community, and it is truly a great day to be a Bobcat with the incredible support of and commitment to athletics and recreation from so many. I am eager to continue the important work of supporting our remarkable student-athletes as they strive for excellence in all aspects of their Bates experience."
A passionate advocate for community building and the continued success of Bates' athletic programs, Rothermel will work closely with the College's senior leadership to provide strategic direction, enhance the department's initiatives, and represent the Bobcats both on and off-campus.
"We are grateful to have Will leading our intercollegiate athletic program during this pivotal moment at Bates," said Ferro. "I am looking forward to working side by side with Will. His extensive experience in NCAA Division III athletic administration will be instrumental in building upon our strong tradition of athletic excellence and guiding us toward continued success."
Originally from York, Maine, Rothermel has worked in leadership roles across all three NCAA divisions. Rothermel previously served as the Associate Vice President & Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer at Saint Joseph's College of Maine, where he provided visionary leadership for the institution's 22 varsity sports programs, as well as overseeing recreation activities, club sports, and intramurals.
Possessing an extensive and diverse background in athletics administration, Will spent seven years as Associate Director of Athletics at Ithaca College, where he managed numerous areas, including NCAA compliance, event management, marketing and promotions, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and business operations. He also supervised nearly half of Ithaca's 27 varsity sports.
Prior to his time at Ithaca, Rothermel held the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Development at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he led a corporate sponsorship program that generated more than $2.3 million in revenue. His career in athletics administration began in 2009 at Merrimack College, where he progressed through several roles in sports information, marketing, and corporate relations.
Rothermel earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Saint Michael's College (VT), where he also played on the men's basketball team. He went on to earn a master's degree in education and sport management from Old Dominion University, where he focused on student mentorship and networking for sport management students.
Bates College will begin a national search for a permanent Director of Athletics in the coming weeks. The search committee will be focused on identifying a dynamic leader with a clear vision for the future of Bates Athletics, who will build on the department's strong foundation and continue to promote excellence in the classroom, the community, and on the field of competition.
