The Purdue Northwest Athletic Department has announced the appointment of Courtney Locke as Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives.
“I am extremely grateful that Courtney Locke will be assuming this important role for Purdue Northwest athletics,” said Director of Athletics, Rick Costello. “With the growth of PNW Athletics to 21 teams and 450 student-athletes, I am delighted Courtney will lead initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience. While we will miss her coaching the Pride on the basketball court, I am excited for Courtney to bring her talents to the senior athletic administrative team and look forward to the impact she will have on the Pride of Purdue Northwest.”
As the Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives, Locke will lead the annual student-athlete orientation and facilitate department-wide educational programming for student-athletes, coaches, and staff to include Bystander Intervention, Safe Zone, Hazing, Sexual Violence Prevention and Title IX training. Additionally, Locke will serve as liaison to University Housing, Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office and assist with team fundraising.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Rick Costello for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant AD for Strategic Initiatives at PNW,” said Courtney Locke. “I’m so grateful for my 18-year career as a coach and appreciate all the players I was able to impact along the way. Basketball has shown me the world and it’s been a phenomenal journey. I’m looking forward to being able to give my full attention and efforts to growing young people and creating a great experience for all student-athletes at PNW.”
Locke served as the women’s basketball head coach for the past five years and coached All-GLIAC First Team players, Dash Shaw (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) and Mercedes Simmons (Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park). Her teams have also set many scoring and defensive records over the years and competed in the GLIAC Women’s Basketball Tournament the past several seasons. This past season, she guided the squad to the programs most wins as an NCAA Division II program.
Purdue Northwest Athletics will immediately begin a national search for the next women’s basketball head coach.
