Leadership Transition in the Department of Athletics

Dear WSU Colleagues,

Momentarily we will publicly announce that WSU has made a leadership transition in the Department of Athletics and Athletics Director Anne McCoy will no longer serve in the role.

Anne has been an integral part of Cougar Athletics for more than two decades and has built a strong foundation for our future success. She has led with integrity, care for our student-athletes, and deep loyalty to Washington State University. Her leadership through one of the most complex and pivotal periods in WSU Athletics history positioned us for long-term success as we prepare to enter a new era for the Pac‑12.

As we look ahead, WSU will focus and drive towards the opportunities and challenges of the changing college athletics landscape and our new Pac‑12 Conference as it evolves and grows. WSU will move to meet the future, ensuring we are positioned to thrive in a transformed collegiate athletics landscape. I want to thank Anne for the foundation she has built and for her many contributions to our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Please join me in wishing her and her family the very best in the years ahead.

I have appointed Jon Haarlow to serve as Interim Athletics Director. Jon has been an important part of our department since 2021 and brings steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge to this role. I am confident in his ability to guide the department through this transition with continuity and strength.

In the coming weeks, we will begin a national search for the next Director of Athletics. In the meantime, I am grateful for your continued commitment to our student-athletes and for the passion and professionalism you bring to your work every day. Thank you for helping elevate Washington State University and for your ongoing dedication to Cougar Athletics.

The formal press release announcing this leadership transition can be read on WSU Insider.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Cantwell
President, Washington State University