Alex Focke, who served the last six years as Head Coach of the Hamline University women’s basketball team, has been named the school’s new Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director.
Focke received an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Communication Studies, and a master’s degree in Sports Pedagogy from South Dakota State University. He will be assisted by newly promoted Senior Associate Athletic Director Beth Rittler ’91, who oversees the financial and programmatic aspects of the Athletic Department. Beth has been a member of the athletic department administration since 2005, and will enter her 18th year with Hamline in 2023-24.
“I am confident that Alex’s leadership and clear vision will set the direction for the Athletic Department,” Hamline President Fayneese Miller said. “I have no doubt that, together, Alex and Beth will continue the commitment to excellence and student development that defines the Hamline University student-athletic experience.”
On top of women’s basketball coaching duties, Focke also served as Compliance Director for Hamline Athletics.
Joshua Hersch will now move into the head women’s basketball coaching role that was previously held by Focke. Hersch joined the Pipers women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2018-19 season, and will assume head coaching duties in his sixth year with the program in 2023-24. He will look to continue the momentum he helped build over the past two seasons, which included a program-record 19 victories in 2021-22, and their highest MIAC Tournament seed ever at No. 3 in 2022-23.
“I want to thank President Miller for the opportunity to lead Hamline athletics,” Focke said. “Jason Verdugo has been an incredible leader for our department and I have loved working and learning from him over the past 10 years. I am passionate about Hamline University and know how special this place is. I am excited to work with our coaches, student-athletes, faculty, staff and alumni to strive for excellence in athletics, academics and in our community.”
Focke replaces Jason Verdugo, who joined Hamline in 2001 as head baseball coach and was promoted to Athletic Director in May 2012. Verdugo departed Hamline to become the Director of Athletics at UW-Eau Claire.
“Jason’s influence at Hamline extends beyond athletics,” Miller said. “He serves on the President’s Leadership Council, where his contribution to the overall financial health of the institution, enrollment and innovation can only be described as critical and exceptional. There is no doubt that Jason Verdugo’s legacy at Hamline has been firmly established. He will be missed.”
Hamline Athletics consists of 22 NCAA Division III varsity athletic programs, which compete in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
Focke will assume his duties on July 1.
