HAVERFORD, Pa. - Haverford College today announced Christa Racine as its new Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2026. She has served as the athletics director at Drew University in New Jersey since 2017, where she also coached women's soccer from 1994-2023. 

"I'm delighted to welcome Christa to the Haverford community," said Haverford President Wendy Raymond. "Her extensive background as both a coach and athletics administrator, combined with her deep understanding of Division III athletics, aligns with Haverford's mission and aspirations for Athletics. Christa's impressive experience foregrounding a student-centered approach, and commitment to integrity, community, and competitive excellence made a strong impression on the committee and campus stakeholders alike."

Racine's appointment comes after several years of foundation-building progress at Haverford. A recently-adopted Athletics Strategic Plan is integrated into the College's strategic plan, Haverford 2030, and both are core to a comprehensive fundraising campaign now in its early phase. Meanwhile, this school year has seen 18 Haverford programs qualify for postseason play, including four teams reaching the Centennial Conference championship game this spring. 

"Christa takes the helm as a lot of hard work has started to bear fruit," says VP for Advancement Kim Spang, who co-chaired the search with former VP and Dean of the College John McKnight. "The strategic plan and fundraising to implement it are central to that groundwork. She will also be a member of Haverford's Senior Staff which will foreground athletics at the leadership level, and ensure greater understanding about the role of athletics in the larger campus ecosystem."

Additionally, over the past several years, Haverford Athletics has enhanced services, expanded coaching staff, and, perhaps most importantly, adopted a robust and equity-minded athletics culture which contributes to a positive experience for everyone who participates, whether on varsity teams, in club sports, or through fitness programming and facilities. 

Interim Co-VP and Dean of the College Kelly Wilcox also served on the search committee. She says the group was deeply impressed with Racine's strong connection to her coaches and student-athletes at Drew, which is also a D-III school. "As both a seasoned AD and well respected head coach, Christa demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting a positive and healthy experience for all student athletes and has unique insights into what coaches need to succeed."

Racine will direct 23 varsity teams in teams in 13 sports, overseeing a full-time staff of over 30 employees. The Fords have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with 21 of Haverford's 23 teams competing for a conference championship over the past four years. During that span, 10 different programs have qualified for NCAA Championships either as a team or through individual selections, while field hockey, men's tennis and women's lacrosse each matched or established new program records for wins in a single season. 

"During my time on campus, what stood out most to me was how deeply athletics is aligned with the educational mission of the institution," Racine said. "The sense of community, purpose, and care for students was evident throughout the process, and it left me energized about the future. I am incredibly excited to join Haverford and look forward to working alongside the campus community to support and elevate the student-athlete experience."

President Wendy Raymond, a champion of Haverford athletics since her arrival in 2019, believes that Racine is well-positioned for success given the momentum and progress generated by former AD Danielle Lynch, who now leads the Pomona-Pitzer program in California.