FHSU Athletics
HAYS - On Friday, Fort Hays State University named Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk as its next Director of Athletics. She comes to FHSU after an impressive tenure as Director of Athletics at Gannon University.
Goddard McGuirk had a very successful 11-year run as the Director of Athletics at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, another NCAA Division II institution. She was honored as a NACDA Athletic Director of the Year in 2023-24. In 2022, the Erie Times-News honored Goddard McGuirk as Erie Sportswoman of the Year.
"Our primary objective was to find a visionary leader who aligns with our aspirations for the future of Tiger Athletics," said FHSU President Tisa Mason. "In this era of unprecedented challenges and significant transformation in intercollegiate athletics, Dr. McGuirk stands out as an exceptional choice. Her extensive experience, strategic foresight, and proven leadership position her to build on our incredible accomplishments and elevate our program to new heights in the competitive landscape of NCAA Division II athletics."
Gannon's athletic programs soared to new heights under Goddard McGuirk's leadership. The Golden Knights earned two of the last three Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Dixon Trophy championships for all sports (2021-22 and 2022-23). They lead the conference standings for that honor again this year following the winter sports season (final standings following spring sports not yet released). The trophy is presented annually based on finishes in conference events and standings.
The Golden Knights enjoyed their highest finish nationally in the Learfield Directors' Cup in 2023-24, placing 19th. So far in 2024-25, they rank 12th in the standings following the winter sports season. Points generated in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings are based on an institution's finish in NCAA Championships for each sport.
Gannon's rise to prominence in the Dixon Trophy and Learfield Directors' Cup standings over the last four years shows the strong surge in success for all of its athletic programs under Goddard McGuirk's leadership. However, that is not the only measure of success in her tenure leading the Golden Knights. Their student-athletes excelled in the classroom, having at least a 3.2 GPA collectively in all 11 years of her guidance. They also had a big impact in the Erie community through service and philanthropy. Gannon produced over 250 PSAC Scholar-Athletes each of the last seven years and over 300 four times in that run with a high mark of 362 in 2021-22.
Gannon won conference championships in volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball, and women's golf, and claimed NCAA regional titles in women's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's wrestling, and men's golf during her tenure. In non-NCAA activities, the Golden Knights' acrobatics & tumbling team placed second nationally at the NCATA Championships while claiming two event national titles, and two Gannon competitive dance teams placed third at NDA Nationals.
Goddard McGuirk is recognized as a national leader in collegiate athletics, serving on the NCAA Women's Wrestling National Committee and the Division II Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA) Board of Directors. She has been instrumental in several renovation projects at Gannon, including enhancements to the Highmark Event Center, McConnell Family Stadium, and Carneval Athletic Pavilion.
"I would like to thank President Mason for the opportunity to serve as Tiger Nation's next Athletic Director," Goddard McGuirk said. "I am excited to begin collaborating and building upon a long-standing tradition of excellence at FHSU. Throughout the search process, it was evident that there is a remarkable level of commitment and pride throughout Hays and Tiger Athletics. My family and I are excited to become members of this special community."
Prior to her time at Gannon, Goddard McGuirk served as Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation and head softball coach at NCAA Division III affiliate Cedar Crest College (Pa.) for two years (2012-14). She also had a four-year stint as Director of Athletics and head softball coach at NCAA Division III affiliate Saint Elizabeth University (N.J.) for four years (2005-09). She had 11 years of experience overall as a head softball coach at the collegiate level, which also included two years at the University of Massachusetts-Boston (1997-99) and three years at Centenary College (La.) (1999-2002). She also had experience coaching basketball and volleyball at the collegiate level.
Goddard McGuirk earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Brandeis University and a master's degree in management from Gannon University. Most recently, she completed her doctoral degree in organizational learning and leadership at Gannon University. She and her husband, Keith, have one daughter, Shea.
Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk's first day as Athletic Director at Fort Hays State University will be June 23.