Santa Fe College has a new athletics director for the first time in 20 years.
Greg McVey, who has over 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, said he is excited to take over the director role at Santa Fe College and help student-athletes grow both on and off the field. McVey arrived at the college as the new director of athletics May 17, according to a Santa Fe College press release.
“I think I bring a lot of experience with a very unique lens,” he said.
McVey most recently oversaw an athletic department with 15 intercollegiate sports programs and the renovation of two athletic training facilities at Garden City Community College in Kansas, according to a Garden City Community College press release. He was the college’s athletic director for 18 months, according to the release.
“Having the experience with a large, comprehensive athletic department, I think, has taught me how to try to be as efficient with my time as I possibly can,” McVey said.
Now at Santa Fe College, McVey said one of his priorities is working on being the best in the three C’s: competition, classroom and community.
“It’s all about the student-athletes, trying to develop them in all three of those areas so they can go on and handle whatever they’re going to face in their life,” McVey said.
McVey said he is ready to work with the staff to help improve the college’s athletics department and assist students in becoming better athletes, students and community members.
“One of the things that I’ve always kind of prided myself on is continuous improvement — always trying to get a little bit better each day, whether it be on the field, in the classroom or in the community,” McVey said.
Garden City Community College’s assistant men’s basketball coach Mike Harding said McVey was a dependable and upbeat boss.
“I’ve had nothing but great experiences with working with Greg,” Harding said. “His work ethic — 10 out of 10 in my book.”
McVey is replacing Jim Keites, who is retiring after 25 years at the college. Through his experience in the position, Keites said, for someone to succeed as an athletics director, he or she needs to have a passion for athletics, support from family and friends and a high energy level.
Keites worked to expand athletic opportunities and scholarships for students, renovate facilities and help establish the college’s Athletics Hall of Fame, according to a Santa Fe College press release.
“I’ve always been happy to serve the college and the community,” Keites said. “It’s been a pleasure.”
McVey said Keites has been helpful during the transition period. The former director has guided McVey in understanding the college’s systems and the current state of the department, McVey said. Keites’ last day on campus was May 28, according to the release.
Following his admiration and respect for Santa Fe College’s values and reputation, McVey said he looks forward to meeting the staff throughout the campus and growing in his new position.
Contact Antonia LaRocca at alarocca@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @antoniarlarocca.
Antonia LaRocca is a staff writer at The Alligator.
