REDLANDS, Calif. - The University of Redlands Athletics Department announced that Rachel Roche, Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Senior Woman Administrator, will step down from her position to pursue other interests, effective August 7.
 

"It's been an honor and a privilege to spend my career at Redlands," Roche said. "This community has helped shape who I am, both professionally and personally, and I'll always be proud of what we built together.  I am grateful to have worked with so many different people, both in Bulldog Athletics and around campus."
 

Throughout her career, Roche has been a steady and trusted presence within the department, known for her attention to detail, institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence in her support of the Division III student-athlete experience.
 

Roche's tenure at Redlands spans more than two decades, with the bulk of her time spent as the university's Sports Information Director.  In this role, she enhanced the public view of Bulldog Athletics by developing the GoRedlands.com website, launching social media outlets, providing in-game statistics, and initiating the streaming options for the teams, among other things.  With her dedication, she helped promote the university's athletic identity within the wider community. Her transition into the Associate Athletic Director role allowed her to impact other areas by overseeing compliance, eligibility, special projects, and eventually, internal operations.   She provided leadership and support to past Bulldog Bench golf classic fundraisers, multiple Hall of Fame celebrations, and the 50th Anniversary of Women in Bulldog Athletics (2025). 

"Rachel's impact on Bulldog Athletics and the University of Redlands is immeasurable," explained Nikki Ayers, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "For 27 years, she has been a trusted leader, an exceptional steward of our department, and a tireless advocate for student-athletes. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and service has helped shape the culture of our athletics program and strengthened the experience of countless students, coaches, and colleagues. On behalf of Bulldog Athletics and the University of Redlands, I want to thank Rachel for her remarkable dedication and the legacy she leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her every success and happiness in this next chapter."
 

As the Senior Woman Administrator, Roche championed gender equity, representation, and student-athlete wellbeing across the department since 2007.  She held an active role in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) as the administrator-liaison for men's and women's track & field, women's lacrosse, and, most recently, men's and women's tennis.  She also engaged in critical conversations and decision-making around topics like recruiting, expansion, and rule changes at the conference level."
 

"Rachel has been a great colleague for 27 years," said Jeff Martinez, former University of Redlands Director of Athletics. "I have no doubt Bulldog Athletics would not be what it is today were it not for Rachel and her many contributions. Her expectation for excellence, her commitment to gender equity and inclusion, and her dedication to the Bulldog student-athlete experience are unmatched. We are all better because of her loyalty to our coaches and passion for student-athletes."
 

Roche was honored with the 2007 President's Award for Administrators, which recognizes the top employees of the year at the University of Redlands. That year she also completed the HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement through the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA), now known as Women Leaders in Sports.  Besides her long-time commitment to this organization, Roche is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the program coordinator for Redlands' WeCOACH membership.  In addition, she served on the D3soccer.com Women's Top-25 Poll and the National Collegiate Women's Water Polo Championship Committee.  On campus, she has represented the department on a variety of committees related to hiring, mental health awareness, persistence/retention, early arrival, new student orientation, and more.
 

Accompanied by Roche's consistent contributions, Redlands has hosted various national championships, NCAA early-round events, and conference tournaments with high commendation.  Her former graduate assistants have landed full-time jobs with junior colleges; NCAA Division I, II, and III programs; professional sports; and public relations firms.  
 

"My institutional commitment and care run deep - that won't change," Roche added.  "I look forward to supporting the University as a fan, volunteer, and alumni." 
 

Originally, Roche was hired as the Athletic Facilities and Event Coordinator and Assistant Volleyball Coach before moving into the role of Assistant Director of Athletics with direct oversight in Sports Information. She stepped away from the coaching ranks in 2006.
 

While pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the College of William & Mary in Virginia, she gained experience as a student athletic trainer, working primarily with the Tribe women's soccer team. She later earned her Master of Arts in Educational Administration through the University of Redlands.
 

The University of Redlands wishes Rachel Roche the very best in her new endeavors and thanks her for her 27 years of dedicated service to Bulldog Athletics.